“Jag blir ibland lite så här rädd för hur de tänker och varför de tänker just som de gör.”: En kvalitativ studie om elevers upplevelse av sociala medier i religionsundervisning.

Sammanfattning

This study examines how students in grades 7-9 in Sweden experience the role of social media in religious education and how social media is handled and discussed in religious education. The target group chosen for this study consists of pupils with previous experience of social media in religious education. The study is based on previous research that shows that religion in social media is presented in relation to societal debates, conflicts, stereotypes and sensitive issues. The study was conducted based on an inductive approach with semi-structured interviews that were conducted at two different schools where ten students from in grades 7-9 participated. The data collection was analyzed based on the theories of media literacy, the didactic triangle and pedagogical tact, which is relevant to use as tools in the study. The result is permeated by the fact that students experience social media as both an opportunity and a challenge in religious education. Social media in a teaching context is considered relevant because students can relate subject matter to their everyday lives. At the same time, the interviews emphasize that social media in teaching can contribute to conflict-filled discussions about religion and social issues. This study shows that students demand discussions about how religions are presented in religious education. The teacher's didactic ability is an important part of the study in maintaining a safe environment with critical reflections in teaching.