Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge Teachers’ Views on the Türkiye Century Maarif Model: A Study in Tokat Province

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the perspectives of Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge (RCMK) teachers serving in Tokat province regarding the Türkiye Century Maarif Model (TCMM). The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, specifically a descriptive survey model where quantitative data are enriched by qualitative findings. The study group consists of 112 RCMK teachers who participated voluntarily during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a survey instrument comprising a 32-item Likert-type scale and an open-ended question for qualitative insights. The results indicate that teachers' overall attitudes toward the TCMM are moderately positive (Mean=3.31). However, perceptions of difficulty and anxiety regarding the implementation process (Mean=3.85) were found to be high. The findings reveal that as teachers' perceived level of information about the model increases, their attitudes improve significantly and their implementation-related concerns decrease. Demographic variables, including gender, professional seniority, education level, and school type, do not significantly differentiate teachers' perspectives. Qualitative findings highlight insufficient time, intensive activity load, challenges in adapting content to student levels, and a lack of instructional materials as primary practical issues. The study concludes that, while the model is perceived as theoretically visionary, the study suggests that aligning course hours with content, providing concrete material support, and organizing workshop-based in-service training are strategic necessities to enhance field applicability.