VALUE ORIENTATION IN EDUCATION: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Values are those characteristics of human beings that provide them motivation and guidance throughout their lives. It is considered as the guiding principles of life that govern behaviour at the core of the personality. Today there is almost a public debate on the erosion of values. Newspapers, magazines and other news media are flooded with the news of immoral and criminal activities which are creating serious threats for the smooth survival of mankind. There is a general feeling that our present system of education is not quite effective in inculcating the right values among the young generation. It is becoming more materialistic day by day and value traditions are being slowly given up. Education is a powerful instrument of social change and human progress. Value orientation in education means inculcation of discipline, a sense of humanism and a deep concern for the well-being of others and the nation among the students. Value orientation in education is seeks to nurture ethical development, including the values, attitudes, and skills required for living in harmony with oneself and with others, including nature. Incorporating Value orientation in Education will result in growth of character, growth in virtues like self-control, tolerance, selfless service, practice of prayer, harmony, to love all people, to help them in need & respect them etc. In this paper, an attempt has been made to conceptualize the value orientation in education, its prospects and challenges. The methodology of this paper is descriptive and required informations are collected from different secondary sources like books, research articles, different government documents etc.