Is it OK to teach values along with academics?

Is it OK to teach values along with academics?

These posts are for people who are highly preoccupied with educational issues.  

Is it OK to teach values along with academics?

Absolutely, teaching values along with academics is not only okay but also essential for holistic education. In fact, many educational systems around the world incorporate values education as a fundamental component of their curriculum.

Teaching values alongside academics is important for character development, social learning, being responsible citizens, and to be able to use critical thinking to make informed decisions.

Finding purpose contributes to living a fulfilling life. It involves setting goals. Once a goal is reached finding another goal provides additional purpose. Success in life goes beyond academic achievements. While the goal of an eight-year-old would probably be different from the goal of an adult returning to education for personal growth. Nonetheless, the eight-year-old who sets goals will develop character, responsibility, and integrity and so will the adult learner who may need to also develop other characteristics involving relationship skills and academic confidence.

It’s OK to sprinkle academics with philosophy of life concepts. Elementary teachers already work on conflict resolution in the younger grades while life-long learners practice setting goals, taking risks, and making a positive impact on the world.

The “Values” software program in the series “Reading and Critical Thinking” offers reading comprehension practice while reading about how to live a meaningful life.



By integrating values education into academic instruction, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate integrity, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.