“Dear teachers, you are expected to be upright at all times. To teach knowledge without virtues is like creating individuals who are mentally giants and emotionally dwarfs. Giants who will be future menaces of the society.Giants who will soon corrupt the minds of others.Giants who would destroy others for his own sake and welfare.”

“Yes, we are teachers but we are also humans. Mistakes are not impossible but God knows how we try our best to make the most out of our flaws. We have passion. We have dedication. We deserve not only respect but also deep understanding and appreciation.”

                Teachers are the prime movers of educational institute. Without them, educating every student will never be possible. In that case, teachers are given one of the highest regards in every part of the globe. They are always thought as models of good demeanours. They are seen as walking replica of the book of knowledge. They are regarded as the exemplary of virtues. Sadly, since teachers are always expected to act accordingly and decently, they are OVERRATED. Overrated to the extent that they are assigned solely to an obligation of disseminating values among children and it seems to be irrational and unfair.

So who must promote values? Teachers?Parents?Society?

The very foundation of inculcating values in every individual lies on his family. The upbringing from the immediate relatives or family plays a big part in honing a student into a productive and righteous citizen of his country. Parents must teach their children morals at an early age so they will never depart from it. On the other hand, the society (which includes the surroundings, social norms and standards, government, laws, media) is accountable in creating an environment that is conducive in practicing those ethics. Society must set limitations and restrictions most especially in shows or movies to be viewed in public. Scenes which can adulterate the innocent minds must be totally BANNED. No more conditions, no more exceptions. The use of SOCIAL NETWORKING must also be monitored.

How about teachers?

Teachers must never fail to remind pupils about the essence of applying values in their everyday lives. They are supposed to be models of benevolent actuations. They must be decent. If they wish their pupils or students to act properly, teachers must do it themselves. They must be replicas of humanity. More so, they should be working hand in hand with the parents and society and vice versa.

With the aforementioned statements, queries and conclusions are probably generating inside our confused minds. Every agent, everyone seems to have role to play in this issue.

PROPOSITIONS OF FACT, VALUE & POLICY

 

Proposition of Fact                              Is/Is not

 

Proposes whether something is or is not, true or false.  Frequently verifiable, and often takes a more objective approach.  Draws on logical inferences.

                Converting to solar energy can save homeowners money.

                The government is withholding information on UFO’s.

                Neil Armstrong was the first man to step foot on the moon.

                Death is inevitable.

                Obesity causes health problems.

                Little green Martians exist on this planet.

Proposition of Value                           Good/Bad

Takes a more evaluative position.  Judges whether something is good/bad, right/wrong, just/unjust, ethical/non-ethical, etc.  We judge the worth of something.

                It is wrong to avoid jury duty.

                The United States is the greatest nation on earth.

                Democrats are bad.

                Republicans are stupid.

                The Viet Nam war was immoral.

                Harrison Ford is the greatest actor ever.

                Gay marriage is moral.

                Gay marriage is immoral.

Laws and public policy originate from propositions of value.

Proposition of Policy                           Should/should not

 

Advocates a specific course of action.

                You should vote for John McCain.

                You should send your children to private schools.

In this class, propositions will include empowered agencies (any group that has power to make policy), and needs to include the words “should/should not”.

                The federal government should legalize medicinal marijuana.

                The Boy Scouts should not have to include gay scout leaders.

                The city of Morgan Hill should adopt a recycling program.

                SJSU should provide more parking spaces.

By: CATHERINE AMBROCIO