In today’s world, where corruption, violence, unrest have become so prevalent in our society, schools have an added duty to ensure that value education as a subject is taken seriously as a part of the curriculum to produce not just educated but also responsible citizens with insightful minds for the benefit of society.
Values should be integrated in various aspects of life. It goes without saying that values go a long way in building a person’s character. Education without strong character is like a ship without a captain.
A good education is inconceivable if it fails to inculcate values which are indispensable for a holistic life.
Qualifications and skills are essential in the success of an individual, but without values he or she is incomplete as a person.
Values are virtues that are imbibed by the children from their surroundings, the environment in which they are brought up, the environment in which they live.
The people around them play a vital role in leaving an impression on the tender minds of these young individuals.
With the increasing trend of nuclear families, parents working round the clock, absence of grandparents and elderly in the family, children end up spending a lot of time with housemaids and caretakers.
Here, role of the school and particularly the teacher becomes imperative to ensure that values are interwoven in all his or her lessons he or she takes up with her students.
Values should be a part of each lesson, each topic taken up irrespective of the subject being taught.
Of course teachers should take on some pastoral duties, but they cannot shoulder the entire social burden that comes from irresponsible parenting.
Teachers are trained primarily to teach. They cannot effect radical social change alone at the chalkface.
Also, it is extremely important to appreciate positive behaviour. Students repeat the behaviour when appreciated. So, as a teacher never leave any opportunity to praise the students even for their slightest of efforts.
This will help students to remain determined, have a positive outlook and a happy demeanour.
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