A Lesson in Reason Whole-school Approach to Promoting Value Education
21st Century Classroom
Overview
Values education has become a focal point of school development in recent years. However, values are internalised knowledge that cannot be fully understood by students through traditional classroom instruction alone.
Recognising this, this school has designed a year-long interdisciplinary activity called 'Coins: A Lesson in Reason.' This activity is specifically designed for Grade 9 students to experience core values of Chinese culture such as national identity and integrity, integrating value education naturally into their learning experiences.
In addition to regular classroom instruction, the entire teaching activity includes cross-disciplinary investigations, booth activities, question-and-answer competitions, commemorative coin design, and 3D printing. Through these diverse approaches, students are guided to make natural connections between subject knowledge and value education. Grade 9 students engage in a collaborative project centered around the theme of 'Coins,' integrating various subjects to create works that highlight core values of Chinese culture and integrity. For example, in the visual arts class, students design commemorative coins, while in the information technology class, they utilise 3D printing technology to bring their designs to life. In the humanities class, students conduct cross-disciplinary investigations in the Central district, culminating in a report showcasing how Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, contributes to maintaining national economic security.
The entire learning activity concludes with a cross-disciplinary exhibition where students showcase their achievements to the entire school community. Through participation in booth activities, everyone gains an understanding of the entire learning experience.
Participants of this open lesson will understand:
1. how to utilise thematic cross-disciplinary and diverse learning activities to establish a school-wide atmosphere and promote values education;
2. how to utilise thematic cross-disciplinary and diverse learning activities to establish a school-wide atmosphere and promote values education; and
3. how different subjects (Humanities / STEAM, etc.) can naturally integrate values education into their curriculum through various types of teaching activities.