The effect of project-based learning approach on moral education

This research, whose general aim is to determine the effect of the project-based learning approach (PBLA) on the moral values of the 7th Grade Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge (RCMK) course, on the moral values acquisitions, was carried out in four secondary schools in the city center of Elazığ in the 2021-2022 academic year. It was conducted on a total of 332 students. In the mixed design research with quantitative and qualitative dimensions, the quasi-experimental method is quantitative; content analysis constitutes the qualitative dimension. In the quantitative dimension, before the experimental procedure, the students included in the sampling were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups by simple random sampling. In the qualitative dimension, the study group was formed from a total of 90 students in the experimental group, taking into account the maximum diversity. The Universal Moral Values Scale for children aged 10-13, developed by Umar and Kanger (2018), was used as a pre-test in matching the experimental and control groups in terms of moral development levels before the experimental procedure in the quantitative dimension. After the pairing of both groups, the experimental process, which lasted for a total of six weeks, was started. In this process, the lessons in the experimental group were carried out with PBLA and in the control group with the existing teaching. At the end of six weeks, the Universal Moral Values Scale was administered to both groups as a post-test. Quantitative data Universal Moral Values Scale; In the qualitative dimension, the data were obtained from the Student Information Form, Semi-Structured Interview Form and student project forms applied to the study group. The data obtained in both dimensions were analyzed by means of SPSS 22 Package Program, quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistical analyzes and qualitative data were analyzed with exploratory design and maxqda data analysis program. The results obtained by analyzing the quantitative and qualitative data in the research are as follows: In the quantitative dimension, it has been determined that the PBLA secondary school 7th grade (RCMK) course has a partial effect on the development of general moral values depending on the sum of the Universal Moral Values Scale. Based on this, it was concluded that PBLA is more effective than the current teaching in the development of general moral values of students in the 7th grade RCMK course in secondary school. In terms of the sub-dimensions of the Universal Moral Values Scale; PBLA's secondary school 7th grade RCMK course partially on the development of students' cognitive moral values; It was determined that it was moderately effective on the development of behavioral moral values and not effective on the development of affective moral values. PBLA stated these effects; does not differ significantly according to the demographic variables of the students. Quantitatively, while the current teaching is partially effective on the development of students' cognitive moral values in the 7th grade RCMK course in secondary school; It was determined that it was not effective on the development of affective and behavioral moral values. This situation, which was determined by considering the quantitative and qualitative data together, was evaluated as the fact that the current teaching with PBLA in the moral development in the secondary school 7th grade RCMK course is not sufficient on its own to provide the overall moral development of the students from all dimensions. Based on this, the importance of establishing a unique moral education model that brings together global and national dynamics, the Information Age and Islam was emphasized in the research. In the qualitative aspect of the study, it was determined that the experimental group students' perceptions of PBLA were generally positive and their views on it were within the framework of the literature. In the qualitative dimension, secondary school 7th grade RCMK course is related to the Moral Behaviors unit acquisitions; It has been determined that they have awareness of the moral values of responsibility, compassion, kindness, justice and honesty, they have generally adopted them and described them in accordance with the literature. Based on this in the research, it was emphasized that secondary school 7th grade students generally displayed a positive attitude towards PBLA in the RCMK course, and this could contribute to their academic success and positive attitudes towards the course. In the qualitative aspect of the study, it was evaluated that the positive attitudes of the students towards PBLA were a reflection of the applied nature of this learner-centered approach, which activates the individual, directs the individual to activities with the group, and requires cooperation and communication. Keywords: Project Based Learning, Moral Development, Moral Education, Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge