THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN FORMING VALUES OF CHILDREN IN THE POST-MODERN SOCIETY

E. Frydkova

University of Ss Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (SLOVAKIA)

The family is considered to be a social system, a social group that logically passes through its own
development regarding the changes of social conditions. The family´s effect reflects - either directly or
indirectly – the state and possibilities of the society though least of all social institutions it underlies the
direct guidance of the society. The life of families does not change often or fast. It is based on customs
and habits, it is subordinated to values and norms which are accepted in a certain society, it tends to
make self-reproduction rather than transformation.

The institution of the family is considered to be maybe the most stable creation of our civilisation. It has
significantly changed since the end of the First World War and is still developing as critical studies of the
family show. It does not change marginally but in its most essential nature. Despite the changes that
have influenced the family during its history we may say that the family in the whole Europe is not in its
crises but it is being modified. These modifications reflect social changes and changes within the field of
value structures.

The contemporary society influences the family in a significant way. Thanks to the rapid and intense
development of the science and technology as well as consumer life, the family is transforming into a
post-modern one with new aspects, nevertheless with the full ongoing responsibility for upbringing
children. The family is influenced to a great extend by the post-modern society´s tolerance, openness
but also loss of some values and their relativity. In the post-modern world, it is “a reflection to the
society which cannot solve its crucial issues and does not satisfy the human´s needs despite its high
economic development, high level of information and communication technologies, wealth and
consumption” (Kudláčová, B., 2007, p. 166). That is why it is natural that the family gains such a status in
which its perspectives are not very clear and often get into a conflict and disagreement with various
opinions and the reality.

A post-modern family is typical for its frequent break-downs, liberation of mutual relationships (as a
result of partners´ irresponsibility) and doubting over the importance of the marriage and family.
However, despite the mentioned facts we agree with the opinion that it is not a family crisis but it is
more its process of adaptation – often in very difficult and complicated conditions. It is shown in the
ability of the family to resist various types of pressure from the outside world. The majority of people
still keep in mind that the family gives us a chance for happiness and a place to be ourselves in spite of
all the changes.

For children, the family represents a certain type of environment where they could find support, safety
and security – it is the basic background for them. A child is a product of a family and it is reflected in
his/her features, behaviour and values. The values that a child receives in a family will probably
determine his/her behaviour in the future. Family values among the members of a family are based on
the relationship of affinity and touch mostly feelings, emotions and interests established on mutual
respect of people living in a family.

Role of family and society in teaching values:

Bulk of literature have shown that the family and society plays a significant role in shaping moral values
of child. There is a strong bonding between the parents and children, which determines the personality
of child. Family is the basis on which values are built.

Moral values such as truthfulness, happiness, peace, justice are inculcated in children’s thoughts,
feelings and actions and they function as ideals and standards that govern their actions in their life. The
value system practised in the family becomes automatic to the young family members if they are taught
moral values thoroughly. The family has a great responsibility to pass on to the children many truths and
values, and competencies to accomplish their place in life, whatever the society, whatever the culture or
times. The eternal values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Harmlessness (Non-Violence) are
transmitted on first through the family. Mothers are the first teachers. Mother is foundational, central,
life-bringer and life-shaper. From their mothers, children acquire self-knowledge, self-confidence, learn
self-satisfaction, self-worth, the capacity for self-sacrifice.

The family, forms the child’s viewpoint towards people and society, and helps in mental development in
the child and supports his desires and values. Delightful and joyful atmosphere in the family will develop
the love, affection, tolerance, and generosity. A child learns his behaviour by demonstrating what he
sees around him. Family also contribute significantly in helping a child socialize and has great influence
and bearing on the progress of the child. In joint family system, the presence of elders in the family plays
an effective role in social and moral development of the children. It will also aid young generation of the
family to develop human values and eliminate their negative mental tendencies when they are among
elders.

Children recognize themselves with their parents, other family elders and espouse them as their
personal models for emulation and imitation. The behavioural problems are set correct only by the
involvement of family in the child’s life as they spend most of their time in adolescence with the parents.
Family is the first social organisation that provides the immediate closeness from which the child can
learn his behaviour.

Social standards and customs demarcated by a family provide the emotional and physical basis for a
child. Values developed by a family are the groundwork for how children learn, grow and function in the
world. These principles, transmits the way of life a child lives and changes into an individual in a culture.
These values and morals guides the individual every time in his actions. Children turn out to be a good
person because of the value taught and given by his family members. Philosophies passed down from
generation to generation make up a family values. Customs and Traditions followed and taught by the
family leads a disciplined and organized life.

Families values helps the child to stand strong on his views regardless of others efforts to break through
with opposing views. A child has a strong sense of what is right and wrong and are less likely to become
sufferers of deviant influences.

Role of educational institutions in inculcating values:

Value education is important to help everyone in improving the value system that he/she holds and puts
it to use. Once, one has understood his/ her values in life he/she can examine and control the various
choices he/she makes in his/ her life. Many reports signify that the aim of educational institutions
should not only be to teach education alone but should also be to inculcate values and improving skills
of children and teens.

In school, children are affiliates of a small society that exerts a great influence on their moral
development. Teachers serve as role model to students in school. They play a major role in inculcating
their ethical behaviour (Satya Pal Ruhela, 1996).

Peers at school diffuse confidence about cheating, lying, stealing, and consideration for others. Though
there are rules and regulations, the educational institutions pervade the value education to the children
in an informal way. They play a key role in developing ethical behaviour in children.

2.Parents play a very vital role in their children’s development and the success of the children will mainly
depend on the foundations imparted to them by the parents. Most studies shows that parents are to
blame for children’s behaviour, hence, parents must take a greater role in shaping their children’s future
regarding the embrace of morally acceptable behavior.

They must bear in mind that children’s development at home should take precedence. In addition, they
must be committed to building a strong relationship with their children and must actively contribute to
building their children’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
Influencing of the child’s behavior should begin with establishing a close relation with their children and
making proper use of their authority over their children, but not in a coercive manner. If parents are not
held responsible for their children’s behavior, who is to be blamed then? It is their duty to make the
children grow into disciplined and responsible members of the society.

3.Most parents confront the same behavior problems. We become annoyed repeating everything three
times. We spend too much time arguing. We become drained from the nagging and whining and
manipulating and quarreling. We become exhausted from shouting and threatening. At times, it seems
that all we do is punish. We feel guilty for getting angry, but it appears to be the only way to get results.
We blame ourselves and feel ineffective for not knowing what to do. There are times when we dislike
our children because their misbehavior makes us feel so inadequate and miserable. Raising well-
behaved children is not easy. Many parents fail. Not because they are inadequate. Not because they lack
love for their children. Not because they want something less than the best for their children.
Unsuccessful parents are inconsistent. They procrastinate. They give warnings but do not follow
through. They say things they do not mean. They lack patience. They punish in anger. Unsuccessful
parents attend to the negative rather than the positive. They criticize too much. Parents who have
discipline problems do not plan. They do not realize that they can be part of the problem. Parents are
part of the problem because of their patterns of reaction. Parents usually react in one of two ways.
Sometimes parents react passively. They give in to misbehavior because they do not feel like confronting
the problem, at least not right now. You will lean why giving in makes misbehavior worse- Sometimes
parents react with anger. You will also learn how reacting with anger makes misbehavior worse. The way
you react to your children’s misbehavior affects future misbehavior. A certain amount of misbehavior is
normal. My guess is that young children misbehave about 5% of the time. (Some days it feels like 50%!)
Knowing how to react to this 5% is crucial. Reacting correctly and consistently can reduce misbehavior
from 5% to less than 2%. Reacting incorrectly can increase misbehavior to 10% or more. Knowing how to
react is essential. Knowing how to prevent discipline problems is more important. You can escape many
predicaments by setting up a few guidelines in advance. Successful parents believe in prevention and
planning. They are more proactive than reactive. You will learn several strategies to help you be more
proactive.

Children learn good behavior. Children learn misbehavior. Behavior does not occur by magic. It is not
inherited. A well-behaved child is not the result of luck. Be encouraged – if children learn behavior, then
children can learn to change behavior. Parenting behavior is also learned. Good parenting skills do not
appear suddenly and instinctively. You can learn to be a more successful parent

4.Family issues—such as divorce, financial strife, and sibling bullying—have the potential to negatively
affect those directly involved as well as distant relatives. Kids, however, are common victims left reeling
from a family problem. These young individuals do not have the tools or mental capacity to properly
manage stress, and it shows in multiple capacities: one being their performance at school.
Family problems, like major changes in family dynamic, financial instability, and sibling bullying, can have
a significant impact on children.

These problems can negatively affect them in multiple facets, including at school, or more specifically,
their school performance.

Changes in family dynamic—say divorcing parents—can cause children to feel guilty, neglected, or
unloved and as a result lose focus at school.

Financial strife and sibling bullying can also put stress on a child’s emotions and cause them to lose focus
or act out at school.

It’s important that you maintain open communication lines with your child about the issue at hand and
offer them continuous love and support.

Instead of ruminating over these problems, acknowledge that everyone struggles and then focus on
providing your child with what they need.

Affect Kids’ Education

Common issues that can affect children’s performance at school include changes in family relationships,
economic instability, and sibling bullying. Let’s delve into these problems and how exactly school
performance might change as a result:

1. Changes in family dynamic

Changes in family relationships include divorcing parents or blending two families together. Both
instances can confuse or upset a child and lead to their acting out or withdrawing at school. Often, single
parents are forced to work longer hours to make financial ends meet, which means less time at home
with their kids—this can cause a child to feel neglected or unloved resulting in their misbehavior or
withdrawal at school. Similarly, if two families merge together, a child might feel neglected or left out as
his or her parents navigate new relationships with the new members.

2. Financial instability

As we mentioned earlier, sometimes parents need to work long hours or take other measures to make
financial ends meet. However, sometimes families run into financial instability. Research published in
the journal Pediatric Child Health shows that children from impoverished families receive lower scores in
vocabulary skills, concentration, teamwork, and other areas. These findings demonstrate the impact
that economic instability can have on a child’s performance at school.

3. Sibling bullying

Sibling bullying is another harmful problem that many parents don’t recognize. They assume that a little
rough-housing or poking fun is a normal part of the sibling dynamic—but often, it gets out of hand and
one sibling is bullied. Sibling bullying can affect self-esteem and cause emotional problems like
hopelessness, loneliness, and even depression. These, then can cause a child to struggle in school, as
they aren’t able to focus on their work.

This is a short list of problems that may affect your child’s learning abilities and performance at school.
Often, these are unfortunate problems that no parent or family member would want—but as we all
know, life comes with struggles that we don’t desire or wish for. The good news, though, is that if we
focus on what we can control, we can curb or correct these harmful effects on our children.

Show Your Child Love and Support: 4 Tips

If your family is confronted with a difficult challenge, communicating with your child is key. While you
don’t have to go into detail about the problem at hand, you also shouldn’t keep them in the dark. For
example, if you and your partner are divorcing, clearly communicate this to your child and then focus on
supporting them through the transition to come. Once you’ve addressed the problem at hand, the best
thing you can do is show your child endless love and support. Here are a few tips for doing so:

1. Make physical contact.

One of the best ways to show your child continued love is by making physical contact. Hug them, kiss
them, tickle them, high five them, snuggle with them on the couch. They’ll feel your love come through.

2. Show your appreciation.

What many of us don’t realize is that kids want and can benefit from our appreciation. Tell them directly
that you appreciate their support at random. Also, when they do something helpful or they follow
direction, for example, tell them you appreciate it. Kids listen to and remember more than we think.

3. Give them one-on-one time.

Your child wants your undivided attention whenever and however they can get it. This means that one-
on-one time is like gold to them. It shows that you love them and want to spend time with them. Not to
mention this can create a good opportunity to check in on how they’re feeling, especially relating to the
problem at hand.

4. Do something exciting.

Finally, do something different and exciting every once in a while. This will help to take your child’s mind
off of the problem, instill fun back into their life, and show them that life still goes on—an important
lesson that they’ll pull from time and time again.

Remember: We all struggle. If your family is currently trying to navigate one of the problems mentioned
above or another problem altogether, you might feel hopeless, helpless, or guilty that your child is or
could be affected. But try not to—instead, focus on providing them with the love and support that will
get them (and you) through this difficult time

5. 1.Don’t spoil me. I know quite well

that I ought not to have all that I ask

for. Here, it is used to show how the child has been used to being given everything they want and never
gets scolded. As a result, the child often shows bad behaviour, especially when not being given what
they want.

2.Don’t protect me from consequences.

I need to learn in a painful way—

sometimes! Even though pain is unavoidable, it can be a great teacher. It can be the impetus for our
evolution into conscious individuals. All we need to do is to transform our relationship with pain and
keep our minds and hearts open.

Here are five valuable lessons that I’ve been able to learn from pain:

1. We understand ourselves better: Pain has the power to break us open and expose the vulnerable
parts of ourselves, thereby giving us opportunity to get intimate with them. Pain will test your character
and make it necessary to tap into your strengths. It will expose your weaknesses, allowing you to
improve. Each test is like a rung on a ladder that we can climb to higher elevations of consciousness.
Self-knowledge, coupled with a belief in our ability to survive, promotes self-esteem and personal
growth.

2. We realize our strengths and resilience: All unpleasant experiences throw us out of our comfort zone
and urge us to stretch into unknown territory. This is a good thing because we tend to underestimate
ourselves and our capacity to withstand the storms in our life. If we’re open to the learning, tough
incidents will make us tougher and leave us feeling braver. Like a warrior who’s been through battle, you
can charge ahead knowing that you’re strong and you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle. ”.

3. Pain pushes us to grow and love ourselves: Pain propels us to get unstuck and move towards a more
meaningful and purposeful existence. It reminds us to be sensitive to our needs so that we can recover
from the hurt and feel better. We need to love ourselves through the pain and do whatever it takes to
heal and get back on our feet. Whether that means taking a warm bath, speaking to someone you trust,
going on a short vacation or journaling. Pain reminds us of the importance of self-care.

4. The pain helps us experience a deeper sense of connection: Every time we experience pain we
become aware that it’s something we all share. We can draw wisdom and understanding from our trials
and tribulations, which, in turn, can help others who are dealing with similar issues. You cannot fully
understand the suffering of others until you have gone through what they’ve experienced. For example,
if you’ve never been through a breakup you won’t be able to empathize with your friend who is going
through one. Pain connects you to your being. The visceral sensations of pain activate a primal part of
you that reveals your humanity.

5. We realize who and what really matters: Anyone who’s been through intense periods of despair will
remember how it recalibrated their life path and triggered a shift in their identity and their worldview.
All the superficialities and materially-driven desires fall by the wayside as you realize that money, fame
and other symbols of wealth are ineffective when it comes to fulfilling the desires of your heart and soul.
Your ego and pride are obliterated and are replaced by a sense of reverence and gratitude for the gift of
life. You realize who you can really count on because it’s during your times of strife that you’ll come to
know who will be there to offer you their unconditional support.

3. Don’t make me feel my mistakes are

sins. It upsets my sense of values.

We all sin, and we all make mistakes. But is there a difference between the two? When people refer to
sinful behavior as a mistake rather than a sin, they often either consciously or unconsciously evade
responsibility - even while they may claim to accept responsibility. "Because of the fundamental
difference between the two terms. Many people assume they are synonymous. They’re not," writes
Michael Hyatt.

So what is the difference?

"The term “mistake” implies an error in judgment—something done unintentionally," writes Hyatt. This
might be 1. Turning onto a one-way street, going the wrong way. 2. Pouring salt into your coffee,
thinking it was sugar. 3. Mis-typing a web address and ending up on a porn site.

"These could all be legitimate mistakes. They happen because we get distracted or careless. But a sin is
more than a mistake. It’s a deliberate choice to do something you know is wrong," Hyatt explains. We
need to acknowledge our mistakes, but we also need to be honest about our sins. Hyatt gives us 5 ways
we can honor this distinction.

1. Choose your words carefully.

Don’t minimize your sin by calling it a mistake. The meaning of the Greek word homologeÅ —
translated confession in 1 John 1:9—as “to speak the same word.” In other words, agree with God. Say
the same thing about your sin that He says about it. You can’t be cured of the disease if you continue to
deny it.

2. Take responsibility for your behavior.

If you have sinned, own it. (In fact, if you have made a mistake, own that too.) Take the hit. Even if
someone provoked you, own your response. If they were 90% responsible, accept 100% responsibility
for your 10%. When it comes to sin, there is never a legitimate excuse. None.

3. Acknowledge your guilt.

It is normal to feel guilty when you sin. Guilt is God’s gift, designed to motivate you to initiate
reconciliation. The sooner you acknowledge your responsibility, the sooner you can resolve the problem.
And never follow your confession with the word “but.” This is the preface to an excuse. It negates
everything you have said before.

4. Change your behavior.

Words are cheap. Some people are very adept at saying they are sorry—but then … nothing changes.
Repentance is not only a change of mind; it is a change of direction. Unless you change your behavior,
you haven’t really repented, no matter how many tears you may have shed.
5. Ask for forgiveness.

You can’t demand it. You are not entitled to it. You can only ask and hope that the person you have
sinned against will extend grace. Sometimes, they will wait until you have manifested the fruit of
repentance, and that is fine (see Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:19-20).

Gc4.Don’t be afraid to be firm with me. I

prefer it. It makes me feel more

secure

Sometimes when children misbehave it feels personal, like your child is purposely doing something to
you in order to make your life more difficult. In the hustle and bustle of family life, these acts of
misconduct might feel like someone is adding fuel to the fire. Many parents do not understand what
motivates their children to act this way, especially after they put so much effort into raising hardworking
and respectful children. So, why then, do children misbehave?

Think about misbehavior as a method of communication, a child’s way of reaching out. Adults have a lot
of practice in decoding their own feelings and have learned many different ways of managing and
expressing those feelings. Young children are still learning these tools for communication so, instead of
saying they are lonely or bored, toys are thrown. The behavior is negative or undesired, but the reasons
behind it are not. It’s important to remember negative behavior does not make your child “bad.” There’s
a difference between how your child behaves and their character. What they do is not who they are.

Understanding why children misbehave can be a crucial step in positive discipline. Knowing the why will
help you figure out the how—how to respond. Just like it is important to recognize an infant’s specific
cues indicating hunger, tiredness or overstimulation, it is important for parents and caregivers to
recognize older children’s cues. These cues, often shown through actions instead of words, will tell you
how to meet their immediate needs and help teach them positive and effective ways of expressing
themselves. Children use behavior to communicate something to you and understanding their reasons
behind their behavior can help you not only care for and nurture your child, but help teach them to
regulate their own behavior.
One reason children misbehave is attention. When children seek attention through their behaviors they
are feeling overlooked or insignificant. To get this need met, they behave in ways to make sure they get
noticed. They throw their toys, hit their brother, scream or generally make life difficult.

5.Don’t let me form bad habits. I have

to rely on you to detect them in the

early stages.

Kids are the most beautiful and cute. They start seeing life with your eyes and the rest of those who are
connected with them. Kids are master of learning. They can grab anything in their memory at a fast
speed.

They are not aware of good or bad habits. They don’t know the difference. It is your duty to teach them
and also tell which habits to avoid and what to implement in your life.

Kids start using abusive language when they feel sad, anger or upset. They think it’s not a bad thing to
use abusive words. You need to stop this habit as soon as possible. Parents also need to avoid using
abusive language or rude words in front of children.

Always remember, Your kids learn from you. Whatever actions or words parent’s do. It’s capturing in
kids mind.

Kids are great learner. If you teach them right way of doing the things with love and respect. They will
surely grab it without putting much effort.
Teach them with patience and don’t scold them for their tiny mistakes. If you get angry over them
frequently. It will create a difference among both of you. They will start ignoring you and get scared.

6.Education is an effective and pervasive phenomenon for all round individual development and social
transformation. This alone can sustain culture and civilization. A balanced development of mind and
body in harmony with the spirit is the key to the enrichment of human personality and an outcome of
value–based education, which must in the ultimate analysis help humanity to transcend to a higher level
of consciousness. Our children must from their infancy be taught the dignity of labour.

Thus, the true meaning of education is harmonious development of head, heart and hand i.e.,
enlightenment of mind, compassion and dignity of labour. Moral and spiritual training is an essential
part of education. If education is to help us to meet the moral challenge of the age and play its part in
the life of the community, it should be liberating and life giving. It must give a basic meaning to one’s
existence and equip us with the ability to overcome spiritual inertia and foster spiritual sensitivity.
Temples of learning should produce men and women who will move together to develop common ideals
and purposes, love each other and co-exist to create common wealth.

Noble Goals and High Values

Education is not injection or injunction. It is not indoctrination of views and ideas or just an imposition of
one’s views upon others. In short, education should not be an infliction, because the moment it
becomes an infliction, the consequence is indiscipline amongst learners. A vast responsibility rests on
our educational institutions and those who guide their destinies.

They need to be alert and should not wander from the right path even when passion convulses the
multitude and blinds many amongst those whose duty is to set an example to others. If these are the
ideals and objectives of education, how can we achieve these in the existing scenario of education which
is in a state of anarchy and chaotic condition at all levels – primary to higher education. Educational
system in India today is in a critical state – resistant to change and in danger of becoming irrelevant.
Thus, it needs a drastic reconstruction – almost revamping. The greatest challenge the world is facing
today is the crisis of confidence and character, mental and moral decay and break down of rich
traditions.

The root cause of all these is fear, hatred, greed, prejudice, intolerance and violence.

Therefore, efforts need to be made to eliminate these divisive forces, which is possible only by value-
based education that involves harmonious development of the body, mind and spirit.

True knowledge consists of self understanding and self-control. Non-violence seems to be the highest
form of knowledge. If education has to serve the humanity and defuse human suffering,

it must teach and train us to respect each other (universal brotherhood), love each other (universal
love), practice compassion and uphold the dignity of all lives. Then only one will have peace. In a world
which is primarily split between a few haves and majority of have-nots, tensions, diversities, self-
centered vision, violence, terrorism and consumerism are creating a dreadful scenario of a bleeding
world and a blood splattered humanity. In this chaotic atmosphere, value–based education is the only
hope for synthesizing the moral fabric of an individual and generating a culture of peace in the society.
Education must aim at the development of moral, spiritual and ethical values and we should seek them
in our own heritage as well as in progressive cultures and civilizations. It should be such that Indians do
not lose sight of their rich heritage – their thought must be rooted in the ideals set forth in the great
writings and works of our sages, poets and philosophers. The noble goals and high values set forth in our
precious culture must be adhered to. It has been emphasized time and again that conscious efforts
should be made for the development of social, moral and spiritual values with the help of ethical
teachings of the great religious teachers.

Character and Personality Development

Teachers can play a vital role in this regard. A teacher must succeed in conveying the larger ideals of
service to the community, virtues of tolerance and respect for all faiths, importance of character,
integrity and discipline and the value of humanism to his pupil. The later should also be made aware of
our heritage and culture. They should develop a mature attitude towards religion. Acquaintance with
prayers of different religions and hymns and songs of various faiths may also help young minds to
recognize the intrinsic purity, beauty and practical usefulness of different religious thoughts. A UNESCO
report on education for the 21st century entitled Learning. The Treasure Within also pleads for an
education which is ‘rooted in culture and committed to progress’. Developing a harmonious and
integrated personality would just not be possible if the system does not inculcate values embedded in
the culture, heritage and traditions. Indian heritage, culture and values need to be thoroughly studied,
analyzed and incorporated comprehensively in the educational system right from the pre-primary stage
to higher education.

Injection of information into young minds has been taking place on a massive scale, but character and
personality development has not received the attention it deserves. Creation of the right environment
which helps and encourages young minds to resolve personal and moral issues independently is of
utmost importance. Although it is not an easy task but it needs to be done at all costs.

Since character of people may decide the destiny of a nation, the educational system should develop
character, courage, comradeship, discipline, leadership, secular outlook, spirit of adventure and
sportsmanship, and ideals of selfless service.

Emphasis should be laid on the study of the life of great sons of the soil whose ideas and ideals have
moved the world, because such a practice may provide an insight to the younger generation for
character development and spiritual sensitivity.

7.

Teaching values

“Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.” – CS Lewis

Earlier this year we contacted a number of educators and technologists from around the world for their
thoughts on the trends and challenges facing education and technology in 2016. One interesting thing
we noted about the results was the fact that there were so many unique insights and so few overlapping
ideas. Just as interesting, however, was an area where their thoughts did converge – namely, the
importance of teaching values in education.

Discover free tools to show values to students

Putting back values in education

While technological advances are wont to throw up all kinds of questions about pedagogical practices
and the evolution of the learning environment, the role of values in education gets far less attention.
This seems strange, given that developing a basic set of values has always been a cornerstone of a
students’ education.

So what kinds of values should teachers help students to develop, and how can they do so

without coming across as preachers more than they do educators?

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millions of educational resources.

To decide, an educator would first need to consider context: students now live in a fully globalized world
in which more people than ever are connected via the web. One of the significant results of this greater
communication and access to advanced technology is the deluge of information we receive – news,
entertainment, opinions, advertisements and so on. How are young minds to cope with all this
stimulation? Are they properly equipped to cope with it at all?

Values in education can help ensure that they are.

Even though the world changes rapidly, the values that students need to develop are actually not really
much different to those that were taught in bygone generations. It is just the application of those values
in education that has changed.
Showing respect to others, for instance, or caring for the environment are just as important as they ever
were – and maybe even more so – but they are now applicable in a variety of new ways. For example:

Teaching students to be respectful of others can now be applied to their behavior online as well as off-
line. Students should understand the importance of acting responsibly and respectfully when using
forums, social media, or mobile devices.

Similarly, good citizenship can now be equally applied to practicing good digital citizenship, whereby
students learn to avoid the misuse of information or to acknowledge and respect others’ right to peace
and privacy.

Showing tolerance and understanding to those less fortunate. The escalating refugee crises is
challenging both communities and schools to integrate people in a respectful and sustainable way.
School is the ideal place to start teaching the correct values towards refugees and develop
understanding of different cultures around the world.

for teaching values in education

It’s clear that teachers have a central role in imparting these values to students. There are many ways by
which they may do so, but to help give an idea, here are three quick tips.

1. Lead by example

Probably the most important point of all. If you want your students to show solidarity, be supportive. If
you want your students to respect diversity, then you have to respect diversity too. It’s the teacher’s
responsibility to lead by example.

2. Embrace adversity

Create scenarios in which students feel outside of their comfort zones (within reason) and are
confronted with situations that reinforce the values in education. Doing so will allow students to
become familiar with examining and understanding different points of view – something that is very
important to developing a greater sense of maturity.
3. Use external resources

External resources offer a great alternative to the above in allowing students to explore situations that
might otherwise be impossible in the context of a class. These resources may include films, shorts,
documentaries, news, or numerous other study resources.

8.Values can be categorised into two types:

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES

and

TERMINAL VALUES

My article below elaborates on these two types of values…

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES and TERMINAL VALUES

THE TWO TYPES OF VALUES

Musings on Management Ethics

By
VIKRAM KARVE

Values are of two types – in both the personal and organizational domains.

The two types of values are:

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES

and

TERMINAL VALUES

Let me explain a bit about these two types of values.

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES

Instrumental Values are core values.

Instrumental Values are permanent in nature.

Instrumental Values comprise personal characteristics and character traits.

Instrumental Values refer to preferable modes of behaviour and include values like honesty, sincerity,
ambition, independence, obedience, imaginativeness, courageousness, competitiveness – and also some
negative traits too.

Organisations also have Instrumental Values (which can be ascertained from the organizational culture).
Whether at personal level or organizational level – instrumental values are permanent in nature – and
so – instrumental values are difficult to change.

For example – the instrumental values of a Public Sector Unit (PSU) will differ from that of an Multi-
National Corporation (MNC) – though both may be in the same business.

Since they are permanent in nature – Instrumental Values are difficult to change.

TERMINAL VALUES

In our personal lives – Terminal Values are those things that we work towards – or those things we think
are most important – or things that we feel are most desirable.

Terminal Values are desirable states of existence.

Terminal Values include things like happiness, self respect, family security, recognition, freedom, inner
harmony, comfortable life, professional excellence, etc

In a nutshell – Terminal Values signify the objectives of the life of a person – the ultimate things the
person wants to achieve through his or her behaviour – the destination the person wants to reach in life.

In contrast – Instrumental Values indicate the methods an individual would like to adopt for achieving
his life’s aim – the path he would like to take to reach his destination.

This applies to organisations as well – and – organizations too exhibit Terminal Values.
However – Terminal Values can be changed – and this change in Terminal Values can sometimes be seen
– when there is a change of Top Management or CEO.

CAN YOU CHANGE YOUR “VALUES”…?

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES – NO

TERMINAL VALUES – YES

Read this Before you Apply for a Job or Select a Career

(or Before Recruiting a Candidate for a Job)

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AND ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOUR

Organisational Values are the key to organisational behaviour.

So – before you join an organization – you must ensure that there is no conflict in your personal
Instrumental Values and the organization’s Instrumental Values

Yes – there must be no conflict between the Employee’s and Employer’s Instrumental Values – since –
Instrumental Values are difficult to change.

Conversely – the organisation must consider this aspect while interviewing a prospective candidate for
recruitment to avoid conflict of Instrumental Values.
However – any mismatch in Terminal Values can be corrected by suitable Induction Training – since
Terminal Values can be inculcated or realigned or changed.

For Example:

Do you want to join the Defence Services (Armed Forces) – the Army, the Navy or the Air Force…?

Each Armed Force has its own unique Military Values.

You too have your own personal Values – “Instrumental Values” and “Terminal Values”.

If there is conflict between your own Personal Instrumental Values and Military Instrumental Values – it
is best for you to avoid a military career in the Armed Forces.

However – any mismatch between your Terminal Values and organisational Terminal Values can be
corrected during Training. (For example – punctuality can be inculcated).

“VALUES” and MARRIAGE

This “Values Paradigm” applies to relationships like Marriage too.

“Terminal Value” mismatches between husband and wife can be smoothed out.

But – “Instrumental Value” conflicts may cause marital discord and result in irretrievable breakdown of
relationship and divorce.
The Dating/Courtship period is a good time to discover the Values (Instrumental and Terminal) of your
Partner and ascertain whether there are any conflict or mismatches in Values between you and your
partner.

If there are some mismatches in “Terminal Values” you can make mutual adjustments to reconcile them
and envisage a harmonious relationship.

However – if there are irretrievable conflicts in “Instrumental Values” – it is best to call off the marriage.

9.