Role of Teachers and Curriculum in Inculcating Values among Elementary School Students

Abstract

Aim: The study conducted has been able to analyze the values incorporated in NCERT English Textbook of IV class and the various teaching strategies and methods used by teachers to inculcate values while teaching English. Methodology: Fourth grade English textbook of NCERT was reviewed and analyzed extensively to identify the values being nurtured through literature among students. Furthermore, a self-constructed questionnaire was adopted as a tool administered on 35 elementary teachers to identify the value-based teaching strategies used by them while teaching English and also to recognize various curricular and co-curricular activities organized by schools to impart values among students. Teachers’ opinion about the values exhibited by students in their classes and schools were also collected and analyzed. Findings: The findings of the study explored the values incorporated in NCERT English Textbook-Marigold of IV standard. The strategies adopted by teachers to inculcate values among students were analyzed. Modeling universal values is the first and foremost technique adopted by teachers to inculcate values among learners. Storytelling, Role play, Group Discussions and Debates were some of the most prominent methods incorporated by teachers. It was also noticed that Brainstorming sessions were most frequently conducted while Value-clarification strategies, Reflective practice sessions and Creative activities related to prose and poem were organized by some teachers. It was suggested by teachers that art-integrated teaching and moral dilemma situations enabling the students to think, react and explore innovative solutions to a given problem or situation must be included in teaching. Technology should also be used to foster values among students. Moreover, events, programs and activities imparted in curriculum embraces values directly or indirectly among students. Morning assembly and the sessions conducted in it like thought of the day, news-reading, experience-sharing, national anthem, group-singing fosters a wide set of values among students like discipline, patience, patriotism, social skills, etc. Even display-boards depicting the achievements of students, formation of clubs and house, provision of appreciation awards by some schools plays an important role in fostering values. Schools not just imparts values among students but also trains its teaching staff to become a proficient value-facilitator. It was also discovered that to a great extent students exhibited the values being taught at school.