As we know, in the modern dynamically developing world the purpose of education is not only and not so much in getting as much information. The education systems of different schools hold the responsibility of producing good citizens that can benefit society. Moral and ethical education is, therefore, one of the aspects that holistic development entails. As for the system of values in the process of education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India documented the need for working moral values and ethical standards for the students. The purpose of this article is to focus on the issues of morality and ethical education in CBSE schools focusing on the importance, problems, and measures to improve the methods of moral and ethical education for CBSE schools.
Definition and significance of ethical and moral values education
Character education is the process of imparting to the learners the virtues of right conduct, the qualities of justice and fairness, and the feeling of morality and ethical standards. The reduction of learners to instruments of carrying out the decisions of political leaders is its goal to form individuals who are capable of making the right decision, being tolerant of other people, and acting in the interest of society. This form of education is important in the creation of a society that is integrated in such a way people will be respectable, fair and compassionate.
The role of ethical and moral values education in shaping the character of students
Education in ethical and moral values studies has a positive impact as it contributes greatly to character. It helps students:
1. Develop empathy:
That is why empathising, or being able to enter into another’s affective state and understanding what one is experiencing at a feeling level is fundamental in the creation of caring interpersonal relationships and culture.
2. Enhance critical thinking:
Ethical issues make students sensitive and for a long time develop a thinking dimension as to what they should do and the results that would occur.
3. Promote responsibility:
That is why teaching accountability helps students realise the effects that they create on other people.
4. Foster integrity:
Ethical high standards and the pursuit of the truth are crucial for any sphere of people’s lives, as well as work.
The problems experienced by CBSE schools in the delivery of ethical and moral values curriculum
1. All schools have a gap, and one of the significant areas with an inadequate articulated curriculum in moral and ethical education is.
2. Lack of preparation and satisfaction with ethical decisions and moral education among teachers is common. Since education is mostly an academic affair, there is hardly any time for imbuing moral values.
3. They take entry from different cultures and economic statuses; hence, there is difficulty in formulating a common strategy for instilling morality in students.
To address these challenges, CBSE schools can adopt the following strategies:
1. Developing a comprehensive curriculum:
Integration of moral and ethical subjects in the curriculum will form the backbone of the school’s program.
2. Teacher training programs:
Teacher professional development to enhance their capacity to enable them to understand and teach moral and ethical principles.
3. Integrating moral education into daily activities:
Promoting the notion that teachers can introduce ethical issues into lessons and discussions in the classroom. I always try to involve parents in this to help support what is being taught at school to children to ensure that those are the right moral standards to be adopted.
Examples of effective ethical and moral values education programs in CBSE schools
1. All schools have themes on values and hold functions such as drama, narratives, and speeches usually called assemblies.
2. The engagement of community service ensures that students understand ways of helping society after going through the experiences as students.
3. Creation of clubs where students are in a position to discuss ethics issues as well as engage in activities that foster ethical thinking.
4. Moral and ethical education significantly enhances critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving skills in students.
5. The ethical dilemma, therefore, allows the students to elicit the possible factors with possibly enhance their decision-making.
6. Dealing with moral dilemmas lets students gain more knowledge and express themselves about moral problems, hence, have a better understanding of other people’s situations and positions.
7. Ethical education makes students analyse a problem creatively and look for a solution that is socially acceptable and thus enhances the students’ problem-solving skills.
Integrating ethical and moral values education with other subjects and activities
CBSE schools can seamlessly integrate moral and ethical education into various subjects and extracurricular activities:
1. Literature and social studies:
Debating what people can learn from real history or great and terrible literature. Promoting ethical issues in scientific innovations and preserving the natural environment.
2. Sports and team activities:
Introducing organisational values within the framework of playing and practising sports activity: cooperation, justice, and mutual understanding. As to the application of creative expressions to think through ethical comments and virtues.
Best practices for teachers and administrators
It is noteworthy to mention that teachers and administrators are in the central position of delivering moral and ethical education. Some best practices include:
1. Leading by example:
If the educators and the principals of schools set higher standards in terms of their behaviour towards students and other colleagues, this would be a great idea.
2. Creating a supportive environment:
Promoting moral and ethical issues and creating a culture that will embrace the discussion of moral and ethical issues in school.
3. Incorporating real-life scenarios:
Presenting ethical education through a low-risk/high-return method of presenting real-life cases and examples. Encouraging Reflection: Incorporation of assignments such as journals or group discussions through which students can be made to think of their values and decisions.
Schools following the syllabus under the aegis of CBSE are paying homage to the cause of a child’s integrated development, where moral and ethical education is called for-the much-need character-building fostering logical thinking to understand and solve others’ problems. It is well understood that morality can be taught most effectively when appropriately designed structures, curriculum, and well-trained teachers are in place. This was the reason behind pursuing moral and ethical education in CBSE schools because they believe such education would impel the student toward responsibility, empathy, and critical thinking.
Moral and ethical education is not an addition to the list of curricula but the ground that the child is prepared from with honest effort and core focus. We at Delhi Public School DPS Warangal helps in shaping the ethical fabric of students in a more responsible manner with a brighter future by making use of a genuine effort and core focus.