Application of Religious Principles to Promote Ethics and Positive Behaviors of Secondary School Students in the Western Region

Abstract

This research aimed to study the application of religious principles to promote ethics of secondary school students, 2) to study the effect of applying religious principles to promote positive behaviors of secondary school students, and 3) to compare students’ behaviors before and after applying religious principles to promote ethics and positive behaviors. The research used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The samples consisted of 300 secondary school students in grades 1-6 and 10 teachers from secondary schools in the western region, including Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The data collection tools included questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research results found that the application of religious principles, such as organizing practical activities related to the Five Precepts, integrating religious teachings in lessons, and using group activities to raise awareness of morality and ethics, resulted in enhancing positive behaviors, such as honesty, responsibility, and respect for others. Students who participated in the activities had significantly higher scores in ethics and positive behaviors (p < 0.05) compared to the group that did not participate. In addition, the interviews with the teachers found that: The application of religious principles in the classroom helps to create a constructive learning atmosphere and promotes positive relationships between teachers and students. However, there are still challenges such as adapting the methods to suit the learner's context and motivating the learner to participate continuously.