The Socio-Pedagogical Dynamics of Religious Knowledge in Religious Education

A Participatory Action-Research in Greek Secondary Schools on Understanding Diversity

Bibliographic Data

ID4313717
AuthorsMarios Koukounaras Liagkis (0000-0001-9140-4059, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume13
Issue5
Pages395
Publication date2022-04-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13050395
OpenAlexW4224547510
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited44

The study examines which type of religious knowledge acquired in Religious Education in Greek Secondary schools can initiate both personal and collective change in understanding and appreciation of different cultures. It is blended research using participatory action-research with ethnographic elements methodology. The research gathered qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires, focus groups, journals, and the technique of the "Most Significant Change" from four resources/target groups (students, teachers, parents, researcher). It took place during the 2017-2018 school year in a High and an Upper Schools in which the researcher participated in the school communities as a teacher. Statistical analysis (SPSS), content analysis and thematic analysis of the data show that religious knowledge, developed in Education with the aim of religious literacy, as defined in the context of Greek/European context, can operate on a personal and collective level, in cultivation of respect and underacting of cultural diversity. This is achieved when the religious knowledge is understood as experience and is meaningful when applied to the concepts of understanding, reflection and action. The overall finding is that transformative dynamics of religious knowledge facilitate both minor and major changes in the mindset of young people. Concluding, in Religious Education without sacrificing the religious content of the subject, a high degree of cultural recognition and acceptance of religious diversity can be achieved, and to a certain extent enable a change in attitude towards immigrants and refugees, in other words the 'other' as well as in communication and acquaintance between team members, recognition of and a greater degree of acceptance of otherness, and the development of relationships which were non-existent before

Action research · Epistemology · Geography · Mindset · Participatory action research · Pedagogy · Qualitative research · Religious education · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Transformative learning · Jewish Identity and Society · Psychology · Religious Education and Schools · Values and Moral Education