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Product reviews for From My Heart
David Rowse, ethos Magazine, Issue 7, Winter 2013
This book is well overdue and sets out to introduce to teachers, educationalists and the general public the notion that Values and therefore values-based education have an important part to play in helping us to lead a fulfilling and worthwhile life. It is not intended as an academic treatise on the philosophical or psychological nature and importance of values, but rather an introduction for all to gain a better understanding of what values might be and how values impact on our everyday thoughts and behaviour.
The book cleverly takes the reader along a developmental pathway and through structured reflection encourages the reader to think about the content of each chapter and how this might impact on or change their own set of values.
In this context the seventeen chapters comprehensively examine what values might be in a variety of every day situations and circumstances which reflect our experience of life. For example, through a variety of examples, chapter 1 asks us to reflect on ourselves and how we respond to ourselves, others and the world around us. This then provides a starting point for a personal journey of reflection and development, which explores aspects of values consciousness, well being, agency, connectedness and transformation.
Chapter I explores the relationship between people and the fundamental core principles that apply to all aspects of our dealings with ourselves and others. The chapter contains many thought provoking examples of how we deal with interpersonal interaction, how reflection might help us achieve a more satisfactory way of communicating with others and that such interaction is frequently based on our values.
The book then examines the starting point for values-based education, its philosophy, the importance of emphasising positive values in education, the environment and chapters dealing with -˜self', -˜others' reflective practice, an ethical vocabulary, the importance of role models. Again, it deals with these in some depth and asks the reader to reflect on each of the issues through a process of structured questions at the end of each chapter.
Finally, Neil looks at the school curriculum, the role of school assemblies and the need to see the school as a community led by someone versed in and knowledgeable about the importance of values in the educative process. He then covers the importance of assessment and that this needs to be an integral part of values based education which must be built into planning, implementation and review procedures in order to ensure quality assurance.
It is obvious that this book is the result of exceptional practical and theoretical experience in the field of education and that Neil speaks with conviction from his -˜heart'. This is made quite clear in the final chapter, which provides a personal challenge to teachers, educationalists and all others who are involved in the development of the young. Here he questions the purpose and function of education in a process of human attainment which transcends standards and targets.
Neil has written something that is unique. He shares his professional and personal experience with the reader and provides a pathway through reflection for the reader to travel down a pathway leading to greater personal insight and understanding of the importance of values and values based education. I can recommend this exceptional book to all those who wish to know more.
The book cleverly takes the reader along a developmental pathway and through structured reflection encourages the reader to think about the content of each chapter and how this might impact on or change their own set of values.
In this context the seventeen chapters comprehensively examine what values might be in a variety of every day situations and circumstances which reflect our experience of life. For example, through a variety of examples, chapter 1 asks us to reflect on ourselves and how we respond to ourselves, others and the world around us. This then provides a starting point for a personal journey of reflection and development, which explores aspects of values consciousness, well being, agency, connectedness and transformation.
Chapter I explores the relationship between people and the fundamental core principles that apply to all aspects of our dealings with ourselves and others. The chapter contains many thought provoking examples of how we deal with interpersonal interaction, how reflection might help us achieve a more satisfactory way of communicating with others and that such interaction is frequently based on our values.
The book then examines the starting point for values-based education, its philosophy, the importance of emphasising positive values in education, the environment and chapters dealing with -˜self', -˜others' reflective practice, an ethical vocabulary, the importance of role models. Again, it deals with these in some depth and asks the reader to reflect on each of the issues through a process of structured questions at the end of each chapter.
Finally, Neil looks at the school curriculum, the role of school assemblies and the need to see the school as a community led by someone versed in and knowledgeable about the importance of values in the educative process. He then covers the importance of assessment and that this needs to be an integral part of values based education which must be built into planning, implementation and review procedures in order to ensure quality assurance.
It is obvious that this book is the result of exceptional practical and theoretical experience in the field of education and that Neil speaks with conviction from his -˜heart'. This is made quite clear in the final chapter, which provides a personal challenge to teachers, educationalists and all others who are involved in the development of the young. Here he questions the purpose and function of education in a process of human attainment which transcends standards and targets.
Neil has written something that is unique. He shares his professional and personal experience with the reader and provides a pathway through reflection for the reader to travel down a pathway leading to greater personal insight and understanding of the importance of values and values based education. I can recommend this exceptional book to all those who wish to know more.
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31/01/2014 00:00
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