Project – IMPACT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHING ON CHILDREN CHARACTER

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

Sunday school plays a significant role in shaping children’s character development. According to Smith (2010), Sunday school provides a structured environment where children can learn about character values and principles. It offers a platform for children to engage in religious teachings and discussions, which can positively influence their character decision-making. Additionally, Sunday school often incorporates interactive activities and storytelling, which enhance children’s understanding of character concepts.

Sunday school provides children with opportunities for socialization and peer interaction, which are crucial for character development. In a study by Johnson et al. (2015), it was found that children who attended Sunday school exhibited higher levels of empathy and prosocial behavior compared to those who did not. This suggests that the social environment of Sunday school fosters character growth by encouraging children to develop empathy and compassion towards others.

Religious teachings in Sunday school play a vital role in shaping children’s character development. According to Thompson (2012), religious teachings provide a character framework that guides children’s behavior and decision-making. Sunday school often focuses on teaching values such as honesty, kindness, and forgiveness, which are essential for character development. These teachings help children understand the consequences of their actions and develop a sense of right and wrong.

Sunday school complements the role of parents in children’s character development. Research by Davis and Smith (2018) suggests that children who attend Sunday school and receive consistent character guidance from their parents exhibit higher levels of character reasoning and ethical behavior. Sunday school provides an additional avenue for parents to reinforce character values taught at home, creating a cohesive character foundation for children.

The impact of Sunday school on children’s character development extends beyond their childhood years. A longitudinal study by Brown et al. (2016) found that individuals who attended Sunday school during their childhood were more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors and exhibit higher character reasoning in adulthood. This suggests that the character lessons learned in Sunday school have a lasting influence on individuals’ character development.

While Sunday school has shown positive effects on children’s character development, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. For instance, the effectiveness of Sunday school may vary depending on the quality of teaching and the child’s individual characteristics. Future research could explore the specific aspects of Sunday school that contribute to character development and identify strategies to enhance its impact.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

One of the main problems faced by Sunday school teachers and coordinators is the lack of resources. Many Sunday schools operate on limited budgets and struggle to provide adequate materials and resources for their teachers. This can make it difficult for teachers to effectively plan and deliver lessons that engage and educate the children.

Another challenge faced by Sunday school teachers and coordinators is the lack of training and support. Many individuals who volunteer as Sunday school teachers may not have prior teaching experience or knowledge of child development. Without proper training and support, it can be challenging for these teachers to effectively manage a classroom and address the diverse needs of the children.

Time management is also a common problem faced by Sunday school teachers and coordinators. Sunday school classes are typically held for a limited amount of time, often just an hour or two each week. This limited time frame can make it challenging for teachers to cover all the necessary material and engage the children in meaningful activities.

Discipline and behavior management can also be a significant challenge for Sunday school teachers and coordinators. Children may exhibit disruptive behavior or have difficulty following instructions, which can disrupt the learning environment for the entire class. Teachers and coordinators must find effective strategies to address these behavior issues while still maintaining a positive and nurturing environment.

Another problem faced by Sunday school teachers and coordinators is the lack of parental involvement. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s character development, and their involvement in Sunday school can greatly enhance the learning experience. However, many parents may not prioritize Sunday school or may not have the time or resources to actively participate.

The coordination and organization of Sunday school programs can be a challenge for coordinators. Coordinators are responsible for scheduling classes, recruiting and training teachers, and ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the goals and values of the church. This requires strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Overall, Sunday school teachers and coordinators face a range of challenges in their efforts to promote children’s character development. These challenges include limited resources, lack of training and support, time management, discipline and behavior management, lack of parental involvement, and the coordination and organization of the program. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders involved in Sunday school education.

• AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to examine Impact of Sunday school teaching on children character. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the impact of Sunday school on children’s character development.
2. To explore the teaching methods and curriculum used in Sunday school.
3. To investigate the role of Sunday school teachers in shaping children’s character values.
4. To assess the perceptions and experiences of children attending Sunday school.
5. To identify the challenges and limitations of Sunday school in promoting children’s character development.

• RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research questions for the study are buttressed below:

1. To what extent will Sunday school impact on children’s character development?
2. What teaching methods and curriculum are used in Sunday school?
3. How do Sunday school teachers shape children’s character values?
4. What are the perceptions and experiences of children attending Sunday school?
5. What are the challenges and limitations of Sunday school in promoting children’s character development?

1.5   RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The research hypothesis is stated below:

H_O: Sunday school has no significant impact on children’s character development.

H₁: Sunday school has significant impact on children’s character development.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The rationale for conducting this study on the role of Sunday school in children’s character development stems from the importance of understanding the impact of religious education on young individuals. Sunday school has long been considered a significant institution for teaching character values and principles to children within a religious context. By examining the role of Sunday school in shaping children’s character development, this study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the effectiveness of religious education in promoting positive character outcomes.

Another reason for conducting this study is the need to explore the teaching methods and curriculum used in Sunday school. Understanding the specific strategies employed by Sunday school teachers can provide valuable insights into how character values are imparted to children. By examining the teaching methods and curriculum, this study seeks to identify effective approaches that can be replicated or improved upon in order to enhance the character development of children attending Sunday school.

Additionally, this study aims to assess the perceptions and experiences of children attending Sunday school. By gathering data directly from the children themselves, this research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences within the Sunday school environment. This information can help identify any challenges or limitations that may exist in promoting children’s character development through Sunday school, as well as highlight areas where improvements can be made.

The study also seeks to identify the challenges and limitations of Sunday school in promoting children’s character development. By examining the potential obstacles faced by Sunday school teachers and coordinators, this research aims to shed light on any barriers that may hinder the effectiveness of Sunday school in shaping children’s character values. This information can inform future interventions and improvements to ensure that Sunday school remains a valuable institution for character education.

Furthermore, this study aims to contribute to the broader field of character development research by examining the impact of Sunday school on children’s character development. While previous studies have explored the role of various factors in character development, such as family, school, and peers, the specific influence of Sunday school has received limited attention. By filling this gap in the literature, this research can provide valuable insights into the unique contributions of Sunday school in fostering children’s character development.

 

The rationale for conducting this study lies in the potential implications for educational policy and practice. By gaining a better understanding of the role of Sunday school in children’s character development, policymakers and educators can make informed decisions regarding the inclusion and support of religious education in school curricula. This study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations that can guide the development and implementation of effective character education programs, ultimately benefiting the character development of children in various educational settings.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study examines Impact of Sunday school teaching on children character. The study is limited to Eternal Sacred Order Of Cherubim And Seraphim (ESOCS), Shomolu, Lagos.

1.8   OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Sunday school: Sunday school refers to a religious education program that takes place on Sundays, typically in a church or other religious institution. It is designed to provide religious instruction and character guidance to children and young people.

Children: Children are young human beings who are typically below the age of puberty. They are in a stage of development characterized by growth, learning, and exploration. In the context of this study, children refer to those who attend Sunday school and are the focus of the research on character development.

Character development: Character development refers to the process through which individuals acquire and internalize character values, beliefs, and behaviors. It involves the development of a sense of right and wrong, empathy, and the ability to make ethical decisions. In the context of this study, character development specifically pertains to the impact of Sunday school on children’s character growth and understanding.

Church: A church is a religious institution or building where people gather for worship, prayer, and religious activities. It serves as a place of spiritual guidance, community, and religious teachings. In the context of this study, the church is the setting where Sunday school takes place and plays a significant role in shaping children’s character development.

Learning: Learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, or behaviors through study, experience, or teaching. It involves the cognitive, emotional, and social processes that enable individuals to acquire, understand, and apply new information. In the context of this study, learning encompasses the educational experiences and teachings provided in Sunday school that contribute to children’s character development.

Teaching: Teaching refers to the act of imparting knowledge, skills, or values to others through instruction, guidance, and mentorship. It involves the facilitation of learning and the transmission of information or ideas. In the context of this study, teaching refers to the methods, approaches, and strategies employed by Sunday school teachers to educate children and shape their character values.

Project – IMPACT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHING ON CHILDREN CHARACTER