VALUES EDUCATION IN NEW NORMAL SET-UP

Criselda C. Liscano

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the lives of every individual in the world. From our way of living up to how we perceive the world. For the people who has their jobs, it changed how they do their tasks, how they perform their duties and obligations and the likes. For parents, their way of taking good care of their families has tighten and has strengthen. For children, it caused them to be more matured individuals for their parents and somehow acquired new skills.

In the world of Education, the Department of Education Mandate states that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, education must continue. The virus will not hinder the rights of every individual to have a quality education and to be better citizens in the country. Education must not stop, for learning doesn’t only happen inside the four corners of every classrooms. Education happens anywhere, anytime and with the willingness of learners. Teachers and staff do their best to provide the educational needs of learners. Students take their time to learn all subject areas and are given a chance to apply these in real-life situations.

To become an exemplary individual is a goal and each must do its best to become one. Learning all subject areas is good, but somehow will be best if one is able to become a specialist in every area which are essential to living in harmony and peace, social and individual progress, and moral and ethical development. The new-normal set up must not separate us specially the learners from the importance of instilling moral standards, creating more civil and democratic societies. One must not forget the essence of Values Education especially in today’s time. We must be agents of love, respect, tolerance, understanding, empathy, equality, solidarity and critical thinking. These ethical principles must be present in our lives for us to build a better world.

According to Iberdrola.com, Values Education has the following characteristics: 1) It promotes respect and understanding for diversity. 2) Stimulates creative and systematic analysis to identify different perspectives and angles to problems. 3) Promotes collaboration to find global solutions to problems and defend the collective good. 4) Deepens knowledge of world problems, and of values such as justice, equality and dignity. And 5) Encourages empathy, communication skills, teamwork and interaction with different people.

We are gearing in the new-normal world and changes may occur. We may not forget to love mankind, to be responsible in our society, to be nationalistic and to be productive. May our faith in God be stronger and our spirits tougher. May the teachings of Values Education be inculcated in our hearts for us to be respectful, understanding, fair, wholesome and dignified human beings.

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The author is Teacher I at San Roque, National High School, SDO Tarlac

Province