Perceptions of secondary school students who prefer religion, ethics and values elective courses, regarding imam-hatip secondary schools (Malatya example)

This study aims to determine the knowledge and perceptions of general secondary school students who choose the elective "Religion, Morality and Values Field" courses such as the Life of Prophet Muhammad, Basic Religious Information and the Holy Quran, regarding Imam Hatip secondary schools, based on their knowledge of the elective religious course selection process, religious course teachers and content. In the study, descriptive scanning and comparative relational scanning models of qualitative research method were used. Within the scope of the research, a survey study was applied to 302 students from 5 general secondary schools in Malatya city center in the 2023-2024 academic year. The data obtained from the survey were entered into the SPSS program and chi-square analyzes were performed between the survey items and presented as percentages, frequency values and cross tables. As a result of the research, it is seen that the students like the elective religion courses and their teachers, but they are undecided about increasing the hours of these courses. While the student's interest and desire should be at the forefront in the selection of the elective religion course, it has been determined that the school administration is the most effective factor. It has been determined that individuals are not introduced to Imam Hatip secondary schools while they are in primary school, and since they are generally not informed about Imam Hatip secondary schools, they have negative perceptions about issues such as the lesson hours of Imam Hatip secondary schools, the physical facilities of the school, sports and physical activities, school success, etc. It has been determined that individuals who receive religious education outside of school have higher levels of knowledge and positive attitudes towards Imam Hatip secondary schools.