Achievement level of objectives of Quran courses according to their students and instructors: Sample of Sakarya

Human relation with religion is continuing life long process. While people are involving in religious education up to specific age in formal education, non-formal religious education is life long process. In this aspect, non-formal religious education, with its scope and practical dimensions, has a potential contribution for individuals. In Turkey, officially one of the most significant institutions, which carried out non-formal religious education as planned and scheduled way, is Quran Courses. These courses carry out non-formal religious education activities for the needs and demands of whole segment of societies via implementing diverse teaching programs. In recent years, Presidency of Religious Affairs has been started to curriculum development to make efficient and systematic of these religious education activities. Within this scope, curriculum of 2004 has been developed and put into practice throughout Turkey as basic and additional curriculums from 2012-2013 academic year. This research aims to analyze the achievement level of objectives of "Need-Oriented Quran Courses Curriculum" which, has been put into practice by Presidency of Religious Affairs, in line with the opinions of student and instructors (Sakarya sample). In this research, document analysis and case study as a qualitative research design has been used. Working group of this research consist of 10 women instructors employee in Sakarya central districts Quran courses which, affiliated to Presidency of Religious Affairs and 14 adult women trainees in these courses. Two different semi-structured interview forms has been prepared for collecting the data and descriptive analysis used for data analysis. Some featured findings obtained from the research as fallows: The Need-Oriented Quran Courses Curriculum is not completely realizing its objectives for various reasons such as not reaching adequate number of students, challenging of flexible course hours in practice. Learning and reading Quran is one of the most effective factors for coming students to the courses. Students request to be located some courses in the curriculum such as meaning of Quran (Meal), interpretation of Quran (Tafsir) and Arabic. Instructors are using limited methods and techniques in their teaching processes. There is no systematic measurement and evaluation in courses. Quran courses provide positive contributions in socialization of students. The courses improve positive attitudes of students against different thoughts.