The Impact of Our Values System on Values Education

Abstract

In an education system where passing exams takes precedence, we are raising a generation that loses itself in test books and remains unaware of values unless they encounter them in a reading comprehension question. Therefore, it is seen as a significant necessity to take measures that enable the education system to achieve its aims of cultivating good and effective individuals. Through this study, we sought to answer the question: Can we help students understand the importance of values education, encourage them to conduct research, and involve them in preparing various activities related to our values? Accordingly, we designed a task system aimed at increasing students’ awareness, helping them learn and internalize values, share them with each other, and develop a sense of responsibility and duty. This system, incorporating elements such as chance, fun, activities, encouragement for research, and creative writing, requires students to prepare diverse activities on topics related to values education. Additionally, students will learn about artists and statesmen who have contributed to our values at both national and international levels, as well as research the importance placed on these values in various cities and countries and the efforts made to instill them in society. The study aims to gain in-depth knowledge about the tasks undertaken, activities performed, and their contribution to values education through qualitative research. A detailed analysis was conducted, and the situation was evaluated in detail using observation and interview forms prepared in line with the research problems. The study was carried out with 15 eighth-grade students from a school in Antalya with similar social and economic conditions. Students’ names were coded as A1, A2, A3, etc. Through this system, students prepared numerous activities and conducted research on values, and their presentations were shared on bulletin boards. The involvement of students in the process demonstrated the system’s applicability.