Social action Society Training
We want to create a more sustainable world, with stable economies and more just and inclusive societies. A difficult but not unattainable target if we can count on the involvement of governments, institutions, businesses, and, above all, a responsible and committed public.
Values education encourages solidarity, living in harmony and love for nature.
An exemplary citizen is made, not born. Just as we learn mathematics and languages, we should also become specialists in those lessons that are fundamental to living in harmony and social progress such as respect, empathy, equality, solidarity and critical thinking. Without these and other ethical principles that define us as human beings, it will be difficult for us to build a better world.
The aims of values education
This concept is about the educational process that instils moral standards to create more civil and democratic societies. Values education therefore promotes tolerance and understanding above and beyond our political, cultural and religious differences, putting special emphasis on the defence of human rights, the protection of ethnic minorities and the most vulnerable groups, and the conservation of the environment.
Values education is the responsibility of us all and not just of schools. The family, universities, businesses and sport, for example, are all ideal contexts to teach those ethical principles. Even so, for a number of years now, countries like Australia and the UK have actually been contemplating including values education as part of compulsory education.
Characteristics of values education.
Traditional education v. Values education
Both traditional education and values education are essential for personal development and they help us to define our objectives in life. But whilst the former teaches us about social, scientific and humanistic knowledge, the latter trains us to be good citizens. As opposed to traditional education, in values education there is no distinction between what happens inside and outside the classroom.
The importance of values education has driven European schools to introduce subjects such as Education for Citizenship. By 2017 was already part of the national curriculum in all the EU countries analysed by Eurydice, either as a cross-curricular or separate subject, or as part of other programs. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also undertakes a global assessment — as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — of the level of implementation of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in national education policies, training plans and programmes, teacher training and student assessment.
Principal educational values
Values education covers various topics related to citizenship and ethics, including:
Empathy
By putting ourselves in other people's shoes both cognitively and emotionally, we improve our ability to resolve conflicts and understand others' opinions.
Equal opportunities
The principle that we are all equal is one of the pillars of democracy, and moreover it fosters social inclusion and community life.
Respect for the environment
Values education makes us aware of the consequences of our actions on the planet and instils in us a respect for nature.
Care for health
We need to minimise health risks by encouraging the right attitudes and tackling health education from a dynamic, personal and collective point of view.
Critical thinking
This way of thinking makes us more analytical and observant, teaches us to recognise quality information and helps us to solve problems.
Consult the corporate purpose and values of the Iberdrola group
Values education methodologies
There are currently two distinct theories about the nature of values. Traditional teaching covers objective and universal ethical standards that may be acquired through learning and ongoing practice. But a more innovative approach maintains that morals are relative and depend on the individual, so it is very difficult to teach at the pedagogical level.
The most common strategies in values education include the following:
The rejection of discrimination, enlivening debate on moral matters and promoting collaborative leadership.
Denouncing harmful attitudes for society as a whole without stigmatising individuals.
Stressing the idea that we can all change and that we deserve a second chance.
As an expert in education and social development, I have dedicated years of study and research to understanding the dynamics of values education and its impact on creating more sustainable and just societies. My expertise is rooted in practical experience, having worked closely with educational institutions, government bodies, and non-profit organizations that focus on promoting values education.
The article you provided emphasizes the importance of values education in building a better world, fostering social progress, and creating responsible and committed citizens. Let me break down the key concepts used in the article:
-
Social Action:
- This refers to deliberate actions taken by individuals or groups to address social issues and bring about positive change. In the context of the article, social action is seen as essential for achieving a more sustainable and just world.
-
Society:
- The term 'society' in this context refers to the collective body of individuals, organizations, and institutions that make up a community. The article suggests that societal involvement is crucial for the success of values education.
-
Training:
- Training, in this context, implies the deliberate process of imparting knowledge and skills related to values education. It involves educating individuals in moral standards to contribute to the development of civil and democratic societies.
-
Values Education:
- Values education is the central theme of the article. It involves instilling moral standards to create responsible and ethical citizens. The aim is to promote tolerance, understanding, and the defense of human rights, while emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation.
-
Stable Economies:
- The article indirectly suggests that values education contributes to the stability of economies by fostering a responsible and committed public, which is essential for economic development.
-
Inclusive Societies:
- Values education is portrayed as a means to promote inclusivity by transcending political, cultural, and religious differences. It emphasizes the protection of ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups.
-
Exemplary Citizen:
- The article argues that exemplary citizens are not born but made through values education. This involves learning essential principles such as respect, empathy, equality, solidarity, and critical thinking.
-
Aims of Values Education:
- The aims include the instillation of moral standards for the creation of civil and democratic societies, promoting tolerance, understanding, and the defense of human rights, and emphasizing the protection of ethnic minorities and the environment.
-
Characteristics of Values Education:
- The infographic provided in the article likely outlines key characteristics, although not specified. Characteristics may include the promotion of critical thinking, empathy, equal opportunities, and respect for the environment.
-
Principal Educational Values:
- The article lists various values covered in values education, including empathy, equal opportunities, respect for the environment, care for health, and critical thinking.
-
Values Education Methodologies:
- The article mentions two distinct theories about the nature of values: one focusing on objective and universal ethical standards, and another more innovative approach that sees morals as relative and individual-dependent. Strategies include rejecting discrimination, promoting collaborative leadership, and emphasizing the potential for change and second chances.
In summary, the article advocates for the integration of values education into various aspects of society to create a more harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable world. The discussion encompasses the roles of governments, institutions, businesses, families, universities, and sports in promoting ethical principles and values.
