Content analysis of “Religion and Life” curriculum in the high school program in Iran in terms of the emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and self-assertiveness in students

Abstract

The emphasis put on creativity, critical thinking, and self-assertiveness in high school “Religion and Life” curriculum was surveyed. The study was carried out as a content analysis work with a study population of three “Religion and Life” textbooks and three teacher’s guidebooks in Iranian high school program. The whole content of the books were studied so that the sample group was the same as the study population. Data collection tool was a researcher designed inventory designed based on theoretical foundations and literature review. Validity of the tool was supported by instructors in the School of Educational Sciences. Analysis units were the sentences in the textbook and teacher’s guidebooks. The results showed that the emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and self-assertiveness in students was at low level at the objective section of the curriculum. In addition, the emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and self-assertiveness in students was at very low level in the content of textbooks and teacher’s guidebooks. Therefore, a revision of the content the books by authors and curriculum planners is recommended.