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Values Project Learning Resource

What teachers have said about their experience

'The most interesting and motivating part of this project was the pupils’ response to the different approach, the ease with which values interventions could be incorporated within lessons and the discussions which ensued from these lessons.'

Using values in music was as much about the way we do things as the things we do! Take group work: it's obvious to everyone which groups are working well together - the ones that listen to one another and value each person's contribution, that work with other for the good of the group, that take care of each other and their equipment. In other words it's about having a sense of community, or as musicians say, 'ensemble'.

'During the course of the research I was surprised to find that my teaching schedule did not slip significantly behind when compared to another class being taught the same work but without values interventions.'

'Discussion about spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues promoted good listening and discussion skills, confidence and security in offering personal viewpoints. It encouraged a breadth of exploration of issues well beyond that usually found in these lessons'.

'Using the school’ s agreed values and emphasising these as a guide to our everyday behaviour and interpretation lent a validity beyond that usually found in learning the subject content for its own benefit.'

Watch & listen to two short (5 minute total) movies in which Linda Beskeen (geography teacher) leads a classroom discussion about a field trip to Bristol docks, and to students reflecting on their experience of the discussion. Then listen to Linda as she reflects on her own experience of pupils' response to geography with a values emphasis.

Both movies require the common 'plug-in' called Flash which will automatically download if you do not already have it installed.

• Click here, for the 1st movie (within the classroom).
• Click here, for the 2nd movie (after the lesson).

'Approaching lessons differently helped develop good teaching and indeed exciting teaching. It encouraged a fresh approach to topics and helped develop strategies for pupils to gain a fuller, deeper understanding of values in everyday life.'