Identifying and Validating the Characteristics of the Physical Environment of Schools Based on the Islamic Architecture and from the Educational Educators’ Perspective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the physical environment of schools in religious education. The research method was the mixed exploratory-sequential method. The content analysis method and the survey method were respectively used in the qualitative research method and in the quantitative research method. The statistical population in the qualitative phase of study was consisted of two groups: the first group was the textbooks and papers on Islamic architecture, which were purposefully selected, and the second group was 9 school educational educators who were selected by purposive sampling through the desired items and based on the theoretical saturation rule. The statistical population in the quantitate phase of study included 118 school educational educators participating in the study through the census method. The data collection tools were the interviews and questionnaires that both validity and reliability were confirmed. The findings in the content analysis phase showed that spatial diversity, use of art and visual appeal, attention to the surrounding community (common worship base), design of prayer space (emphasis on the altar and dome), attention to the centrality of the yard, emphasis on natural elements and easy access to facilities (e.g. ablution area) are some of the things that should be considered in Islamic education in designing the physical environment of schools. In the interview phase, the educational educators pointed out the beauty of the prayer place, amenities, flexible and multi-functional design, the focus on the prayer space, being visible and inviting. Finally, the findings of confirmatory factor analysis identified five characteristics as a physical environment of schools in religious education: spatial diversity, beauty and visual appeal, attention to the surrounding community, a desirable prayer space, the centrality of the yard, and attention to nature.