The new methods and use of materials in the teaching of the Qur'an in imam hatip high schools

In order for the graduates of the AIHHSs (Anatolian Imam Hatip High Schools), which prepare students for higher education and profession, to carry out tasks such as imamate, preaching and teaching in the Quran courses effectively, and the graduates of theology faculties to be successful in religious education and services such as teaching, muftiate, preaching they must gain the ability to recite the Quran correctly and properly. In this context, the quality of the Quran education given in the AIHHSs and Theology Faculties is important. In order to increase the quality of the Qur'an classes in AIHHSs, firstly, it is expected that teachers have good professional competencies, the characteristics of Qari (a person who recites the Quran with Tajwid) and Mukrî (a scholar of qiraah who narrates through word of mouth from a master who has received the recitations with a solid and uninterrupted chain of narrators.) and also know and apply the special teaching methods and techniques of the class. In the research, the teaching methods and techniques in the teaching programs of the Quran classes having been taught in Imam Hatip Schools since 1924 were examined; the opinions of students and teachers about the application level of the methods determined in the teaching of the class were obtained by using the "relational screening model". The research sample consisted of 1,730 teachers working in AIHHSs and 13,638 students studying in AIHHSs in 26 provinces. In the study, an eight-dimensional scale, "Elif-bâ (arabic alphabet) teaching, reciting, tajwid teaching, memorization, meaning teaching, teaching materials, measurement and evaluation and the area of increasing the efficiency of the lesson" was developed and data were collected according to this scale. In line with the data, student and teacher opinions were analyzed in terms of variables such as gender, graduation, professional seniority, memorization level for hafiz (someone who has completely memorized the Quran). In addition to the literature on teaching the Quran in Turkey and the Islamic world, new methods, techniques and teaching materials were included in the teaching of the class, benefitting from the interviews made with the lecturers of the Faculty of Theology and the educators who had expertise in teaching the Qıraah (the discipline related to Quran recitation). As a result of the research, the more widespread and effective application of traditional methods in Quran education; focusing on new methods and techniques; improving the professional competencies of teachers in the field of recitation of Quran and special teaching methods; it has been recommended that teachers' awareness should be increased in the meaning teaching, assessment and evaluation and material use. It is thought that the research will fill an important gap among the studies related to the teaching methods of the Quran, and if the suggestions are implemented, it will make a significant contribution to the quality of the Quran education in the AIHHSs.