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Erosion of values in education
Much is being talked about the erosion of the value system by
intellectuals and laymen. It is opportune for us to reinvent the
parameters that define and shape the perception of social intercourse in
the present backdrop of changing society. When the infra structural
pillars that lead to the collapse of a value base due to contradictions
stemming from social evolution, the change of its super structure is
inevitable.
With Sri Lankan society being engulfed by the tentacles of
globalization, the negative aspects of the process tend to devour the
existing cultural base, paving the way for a new value system. Is it
because of our inability to understand this phenomenon that we weep over
the changes in society.
Is it wrong to say that what exists today, is not abandoning long
cherished values by our people but their persistent struggle to grapple
with the problems thrown by the complex life patterns they are entrapped
in?
Recognition is a psychological need of any individual, and when
society is moving fast, giving recognition to material wealth, how many
of us can ask your children to go in the opposite direction?
In the not so recent past, it was a shock to hear of a murder or
arson, and we talked about it with horror and sadness but now people
react differently.
Education means values. What importance has been given to cultivate
values in children in the educational reforms system ? Isn’t the
education system still to a greater extent based on stuffing a students
with knowledge? Are the teachers being trained to teach values to
students through the lessons they teach in classrooms? Shouldn’t the
assessment and evaluation system we have today be changed to produce a
good citizen who respects what is recognized as good values of the
society he lives in?
Do values change? In short, yes. Can we the citizens shape the
changes that occur in our value system? The answer again is an emphatic
yes. How can we do that? It should not be a series of isolated acts done
haphazardly in different social and government institutions.
The Yahapalanaya concept can be effectively used as the foundation of
such a venture. What is needed today is an integrated and concerted
attempt with the collaboration of all social institutions. There must be
a common code for institutions such as the media, economic policy of the
country, its political culture and formal education of the country.
If politicians permit supporters to paste posters during the election
period on public buildings or on walls and bus shelters then there is no
point in teaching students to protect public property.
If the media, electronic and print, advertise the lifestyles of an
extravagant society, it is no use in priests sermonizing to lead a
simple lifestyle.
If institutions formulate policies based on the fabric of society,
inculcating a true value system it will definitely be an easily
achievable task.
Anil Pagoda Arachchi
Senior Lecturer
Siyane National College of Education
Veyangoda.
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