Value Education: In this modern era of skill-based learning and creativity, values education can often get neglected. However, with the growing complexities of our globalized world, this aspect of education is the sole saviour for our youth and society in general. Unfortunately, our youth is losing track of its life purpose. And the worst part is that they are also losing a grip on their moral values (or life values). To many of us, the participation of our youth in criminal activities is quite alarming. However, many of us choose to ignore these situations. And try to make peace with these unpleasant trends!
Let’s accept an eye-opening viewpoint. And figure out the solutions to these issues with value education definition.
Before we get started, here’s a synopsis of some ground realities. Let’s discover the number of crimes by juveniles in India:
Alarming Facts
- In 2021, 32,654 juveniles were arrested under the Indian Penal Court (the main criminal code of India).
- Similarly, 4790 of them were arrested under the ‘Special Local Laws’.
- A majority (76.2% i.e. 28,539 out of 37,444) of these crimes were committed by juveniles between 16 to 18 years of age.
Source- Point 4.3 under the ‘Annual Report 2022-23’ released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Table of Contents
Value Education
Purely in the Indian context, the meaning of values in education is related to the ethical development of an individual. Our recent education policy (NPE 2020), defines it as inculcating values, skills, and attitudes in students required to live in harmony with themselves and others. In the year 2021, the Indian government released a press report stating the integration of value education into the curriculum (under the National Education Policy 2020).
This step aims to develop ethical reasoning and inculcate traditional Indian values (along with human and constitutional values) in Indian students. While the government is already playing its part through various programs, our traditional/online schools too need to play their parts well. Let’s decode the importance of values education and moral values for students now.
What is the Importance of Value Education?
Creating Enlightened Citizens
After the pandemic, our world is more dynamic than ever. Today, the aim of education is way beyond just earning a living. Our students need to learn the right ways of living in a society. And the best way to make them enlightened citizens is to impart values education from the initial stages of formal education. With the nature of the global world, our society has transformed into a segment of the global village. This means that our students need to live in a world with a diverse environment. Yet, they will have to address the challenges at a global level. The idea of values education is to nurture enlightened individuals capable of caring for society.
Making Students Adaptable
Adaptability is a great quality and an essential soft skill that helps an individual to bounce back from adversities. Adaptable individuals are more likely to lead a better life. They are also sought-after in the workforce.
Do you know that qualities like adaptability help an individual to stay relevant in the workforce?
Yes!
A survey showed that adaptable individuals were 24% more likely to be employed by employers.
Value education is a wonderful way to develop soft skills like adaptability. Because it helps students to fill the voids of their lives, and it also reduces their struggles (and chances of depression) associated with any type of new situations/learning curves in life.
Supporting Holistic Development
From the ancient times (20th century) to modern educational theories, the meaning of values in education is associated with one’s holistic development. This means that education can be holistic (and fruitful) only if it makes an individual acceptable to society. Hence, value education is a pillar that helps in an individual’s moral development.
Principles of Value Education
For students, education and values focus on promoting an understanding of integrity, equality, and morality. The principles of value education are based on the idea of social justice for all, thereby ensuring equal opportunities without any biases whatsoever.
Traditional Education Vs. Value Education?
The core curriculum of traditional education mainly focuses on academic knowledge, and social systems, and imparts scientific knowledge. On the other hand, the meaning of values in education (and value-based curriculum) emphasizes making students better human beings as well as good citizens.
If you wish to know the features of the best schooling curriculum based on the best Indian practices and values education, connect with K8 School.
How Can Schools Impart Value Education?
Curriculum and socialization-
New-age curriculum has immense possibilities to incorporate values education through, games, music, small group activities, etc. All these help students develop a perspective. In addition, these are also a great way to hone their social skills. The key to curriculum integration is to keep it age-appropriate. And support students with the best possible opportunities.
Student Exchange Programs-
When students get an opportunity to explore other cultures, they develop intercultural understanding. All this helps in value inculcation. All in all, these opportunities promote education and values through enriching real-life experiences.
Full-fledged subject- This age of new-age schooling has better educational options like international schools. Top schools in India have full-fledged subjects to develop moral values for students. For instance, India’s best CBSE school, Rasphil Academy integrates ‘Value Education’ as a core subject for all grades from Nursery to 8.
Final Thoughts
A student’s holistic development needs both education and values. In the present time, moral values for students are as important as academic success. Today, our society now needs individuals with education and values equally.
Now that you know the meaning of values in education, take the right step in choosing a school that can support you in this endeavour.
You can reach out to Rasphil Academy for the best values education. Join hands with us to support in nurturing ethical individuals, THE BEDROCK FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY!