VALUES CLARIFICATION IN THE CLASSROOM Running Time: 28:40
Film Summary
This program shows values clarification teaching styles in action, demonstrated in an eighth grade classroom in Illinois by Merrill Harmin, with commentary by Harmin and Sidney Simon. Dr. Louis Raths describes theory-into-practice aspects of values clarification, and other series guests explain how to raise issues, stimulate thinking and be non-judgmental with immature positions.
Relevant Thoughts
"The schools must begin to teach students the skills they need to sort out the confusion and conflict in their lives, and to find the things that they value. Time must be spent in the classroom to help students learn to set and achieve goals that will bring meaning and satisfaction to their lives. What teachers will find, if an experience can be generalized, is that when students' lives gain purpose and direction, the students actively seek knowledge that is relevant to their purposes and goals. The problem of 'how to motivate students' disappears."
-L. W. & M. M. Howe in Personalizing Education, p. 18.
"Unless one believes that the future is inevitable - that we have absolutely no control over our private and public destinies - the study of the future must include not merely possible and probable futures, but preferable futures. This is why the broad movement aimed at shifting education into the future tense also brings with it a heightened concern with values."
-H. Kirschenbaum and S. B., Simon in Readings in Values Clarification, ed. p. 17.
Discussion Questions
Do you feel that the techniques presented in the film are appropriate for you and your students? Why? Why not? If not, how could the techniques be modified for your use?
How effective is Merrill Harmin's teaching styles as presented in the film? What does this tone of voice and his selection of words and phrases communicate to the student? Discuss the importance of styles of presentation in using values clarification strategies.
Merrill Harmin shares his own values with his students. Do you see this as harmful or helpful to the students? Why?
After viewing the film, do you believe values clarification techniques are better handled separate from or integrated with curriculum? In Physics, Biology, English, Social Studies?
"Moralizing is the direct, although sometime subtle, inculcation of the adults' values upon the young." Discuss this statement in terms of the strategies shown in the film. What is the difference between moralizing and sharing your values with your students?
What aspect of values clarification specifically helps build decision-making confidence in students? Discuss the importance of this type of learning in today's schools as related to students responsibility.
Classroom Application
Suggested activity: Choose two values clarification strategies and apply them on different days prior to your next study team meeting.