Role of the High School Teachers in Developing Values

Abstract

Value is such a code of conduct or the incorporation of virtue following which, man develops his personality and springs up being powerful and trustworthy in society. Values are guiding principles or standards of behaviour which are regarded desirable, important and held in high esteem by a particular society in which a person lives. Values are important for bringing desirable changes in an individual. The national policy on education (1986) calls for an emphasis on development of science and technology and the “cultivation of personal and social values” so that “the educational system produces young men and women of character and ability committed to national services”. Transmission of human values is to be made feasible by the pivotal role played by the teacher in the arena. Teacher is the right person to develop awareness and sensitivity of duties and values amongst the children. A teacher must succeed in conveying the larger ideals of service to the community, virtues of tolerance and respect for all faiths, the importance of character and the value of our heritage and culture. An efficient teacher aims at enlightening the minds and illumining the hearts of individual. Holistic development of a student is incomplete if moral values are neglected. As it is observed in the present times that immoral and antisocial behaviour is increasing among the students, it turns out to be a matter of great concern because decrease in moral values among school children greatly hamper the social fabrication and society as well. Education is knowledge based but values are not implemented now a days. So education should fulfill aims and at the same time inculcate values. Students are influenced by peer groups, parents, teachers and they learn certain values in an informal way. But the single largest influence on the student is the educational curriculum. The curricular requirements of the school should aim at not only imparting knowledge and language information but also a judicious combination of values that have a bearing on the future life of the students.

The present study is an attempt to understand the role played by the high school teachers in developing values among students, at Narayankhed mandal, Medak district, Telangana state. 100 teachers randomly selected from 15 Government and private schools constitute the sample. An opinionnaire, with items divided under 5 major areas, is the tool used for administration. Scoring is done based on a two point scale. Percentages, mean, standard deviation and critical ratio are used for analysing the data.