Values

Exploring what's important for the student in their life and community.

Why this is important
When we know what's important, it makes choices easier. It's easier for example to choose which films to see, what clothes to wear, which mobile phone to buy when we know what we want them for. When we are choosing which school to go to, which subjects to study, or which friends to be with the choice is easier when we have some idea of what we want them for too.

What Values are
Values drive our choices and behaviours. Some values come from our families, others from our community culture, others from our firends or even the media. Some we own, some we borrow, some we will never let go of.
Examples
Several tools for discovering and exploring values.

Films and Books
Values can be explored by looking at behaviours and guessing at the reasons for them. This might be done when studying a film or a book. "What made them do it?", "What was important to them at the time?"

Values List
Here is a list that I use with young adults.
It's important that you select words that are appropriate for your students.

responsibility
growth
reliance
authenticity
loyalty
integrity
endurance
reward
participation
humility
courage
diversity
performance
impact
openness
community
joy
humour
accuracy
honesty
friendship
justice
confidence
success
freedom
commitment
simplicity
flexibility
personal
cooperation
respect
challenge
spirituality
balance
generosity
results
curiosity
accountability
thoughtfulness
power
inspiration
equality
creativity
love