Lesson 3:

Why Education for Values?

Ronald B. Lapuz, Ph.D., CHRP, FPM, LPT, CHRMP, CRP
Associate Professor
"Imagine you are part of a
team working on a school Why do you think your
project, and one of your answer might differ
teammates is struggling to from someone else’s?
keep up. You know they’re
having a hard time, but it’s What values
affecting your group's influenced your
progress. What would you decision?
do? Would you help them, or
would you focus only on your
own tasks to get ahead?"
Context Setting:
• Today, we’re going to explore how education for values plays a
significant role in shaping not just who we are as individuals, but how
we interact with others, contribute to society, and make ethical
decisions.“
• The values we learn and practice every day—like honesty, respect,
and fairness—are not just for the classroom. They shape our
relationships with family, friends, and even strangers. They guide us in
making choices that affect others and help us create a more inclusive
and compassionate world."
"What kind of world do you
want to live in?

What values do you think are

needed to build that world?"
Promotion of Social Cohesion
and Tolerance
Values education plays a vital role in
promoting social cohesion, mutual
respect, and tolerance among diverse
social and cultural groups. Schools
serve as microcosms of society,
where students interact with people
of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and
values. Education for values, such as
tolerance and empathy, can help
reduce prejudice and discrimination.
According to Banks (2004), promoting
multicultural education and respect
for diversity helps students
understand and appreciate cultural
differences, fostering a sense of unity.
Example
• A school in a multicultural city organizes a cultural exchange day
where students from various backgrounds share their traditions, food,
and stories. Through activities like this, students develop a better
understanding and respect for each other's cultures, which can
reduce stereotypes and foster mutual respect. This helps build a more
inclusive and tolerant society where students learn to value diversity.
Development of Moral Reasoning
and Ethical Behavior
It aids in developing moral reasoning
and encourages ethical behavior. When
students are taught how to critically
evaluate situations and consider the
moral implications of their actions, they
are more likely to make ethically sound
decisions in their personal and
professional lives (Rest, 1986).
Furthermore, values-based education
allows young people to engage in
discussions about right and wrong,
enhancing their moral reasoning
capacity.
Example
• In a classroom discussion about honesty, a teacher presents a
scenario where a student finds a wallet full of money in the school
hallway. The class discusses what the student should do—keep the
wallet, return it, or report it to a teacher. Through this discussion,
students reflect on moral concepts such as integrity, fairness, and
honesty, enhancing their ability to make ethical decisions in real-life
situations.
Enhancing Emotional and Social
Development
Education for values also supports
emotional and social
development. It helps students to
develop emotional intelligence,
improve self-regulation, and build
interpersonal relationships.
According to Goleman (1995),
emotional intelligence is integral to
success in both personal and
professional settings, as it involves
understanding one’s emotions and
the emotions of others.
Example
• A teacher integrates activities focused on emotional intelligence into
the curriculum, such as mindfulness exercises and group discussions
about managing stress and resolving conflicts. Students practice
identifying and expressing their emotions, learning to regulate their
feelings, and empathize with their peers. This not only improves their
emotional well-being but also strengthens their ability to build
positive relationships.
Preparation for Active Citizenship
Education for values encourages
students to be active participants in
democracy. It helps individuals to
appreciate their rights and
responsibilities, which are crucial for
contributing positively to society. A
well-rounded education that includes
values teaches students about civic
duties, ethical leadership, and the
importance of fair governance (Lickona,
1991).
Example
• A school organizes a student government election where students run
for leadership positions and learn about voting, campaigning, and
democratic participation. In addition to this, students engage in
projects that address social issues, such as volunteering at a local
charity or advocating for environmental protection. These activities
help students understand the importance of civic duties, ethical
leadership, and their role in shaping a fair and just society.
References
• Banks, J. A. (2004). Multicultural education: Characteristics and goals.
In J. A. Banks & C. A. M. Banks (Eds.), Handbook of research on
multicultural education (pp. 3-29). Jossey-Bass.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more
than IQ. Bantam Books.
• Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for character: How our schools can teach
respect and responsibility. Bantam.
• Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and
theory. Praeger.