Value-based teaching and learning as prevention of behavior problems at school
Living Democracy » Principals » LEARNING » Action » Value-based teaching and learning as prevention of behavior problems at schoolActivity 1
A principal’s personal checklist on values and school
(based on E. Bäckman/B. Trafford (2007) Democratic governance of schools, Key Area 2: Value based Education – Informal contexts, p. 47).
“A homogeneous society with common values is a thing of the past, if it ever has existed. Historically, public schooling has always been a tool for those in power to impress certain values on their subjects. This is still the case but, in a democratic society, the values we want to transfer to the younger generation are established and maintained openly and in democratic processes.”
Democratic governance of schools, p. 42
Good intentions in written documents are of little value if school leaders and staff do not demonstrate often and in everyday situations, that the formal declarations really tell the truth.
Personal outlook |
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| Step 1: Your personal values are not relevant. You put your faith in the authorities above you. Values are not a priority, except perhaps stability, order and obedience. |
Try this: Ask yourself: what are my incentives? What kind of school do I want? What kind of society? What values do I want to transfer to my students? (Or you could simply ask yourself: why do I want to be a school leader?) |
| Step 2: You are clear about what you want in terms of values that ought to be evident in teaching and daily life at school. You have also started to spread your thoughts to people around you. |
Try this: Raise your ambitions: you want the whole school to embrace the same values, so you spend time and energy on spreading the message. You also involve students in formal and informal talks on democracy, human rights and respect for all. As always, encourage good initiatives. |
| Step 3: You truly enjoy new aspects on life, as reflected in the behavior and values of all the different sections of society that are represented in your school. Your personal engagement is a source of inspiration for students and staff. |
Try this: Make everybody understand the power of good examples. Teachers and other adults at school must be made deeply aware of their function as role models, and older students should know that they serve the same purpose for the younger ones. |
