Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore incorporation of social and moral values  through the secondary school curriculum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The  study revolved around the following research questions: What are the social and  moral values included in the secondary school textbooks? What are the important  social and moral values missing in the secondary school textbooks? What are the  benefits of inclusion of social and moral values in the textbooks at secondary  school level? Data were collected from two sources: Secondary school textbooks  and Secondary School Teachers. Four textbooks of the compulsory subjects (Urdu,  Pakistan Studies, English and Islamiat) of the secondary classes and Secondary  School Teachers of district Mansehra who taught compulsory subjects comprised  the population of the study. The sample of the study consisted of twenty four  lessons from the textbooks and twelve Secondary School Teachers. To collect data  about social and moral values from Secondary School Teachers semi-structured  interviews were used. Textbooks of secondary classes and transcribed interviews  of twelve secondary school teachers were examined in the light of the operational  definitions of social and moral values by applying qualitative content analysis  technique. The entire data were coded and categories were formed from the codes.  Codes were grouped into categories: social and moral values. Peer/expert  debriefing was used to review and assess the data to enhance the validity and  reliability of the analysis process and findings. The findings of the study revealed  that the secondary school textbooks contained social values like equality, human  rights, service of humanity, regard for one‟s family, dignity of labour and charity.  The textbooks also contained moral values like truth, honesty, obedience, faith and  sacrifice. Social and moral values were associated with human behaviour on the  xvi   basis of which good or bad behaviour of individuals and their adjustment in a  society can be judged. Some important social and moral values, however, seemed  lacking in the books. These include values such as responsibility, hard work,  obedience to the law, unity, patriotism and universal brotherhood and moral values  such as virtue, good manners, submission, moderation and patience. The study,  therefore, recommends that these values may be incorporated in the secondary  school textbooks for a more wholesome education and character development of  the students.

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