Book Description

The process by which human beings, as they grow toward maturity, develop values is not an automatic one. The process can be fostered by a number of teaching strategies. The strategies include the techniques of self-discovery, the provision of learning environments that encourage growth, and the practice of specific skills. This volume provides a theoretical basis for an understanding of value development together with practical materials for applying the theory in the lives of individuals and institutions. A model, the Four Phases of Consciousness, was designed that charted a pattern of human moral and intellectual growth in terms of what individuals value in life. The model projected a series of four phases through which all humans pass on their journey toward the fullest possible development. Section 1 focuses on value development theory and identifes the four phases of consciousness in detail; analyzes the factors that enable individuals to move through the phases; explores the relationship between skills and the internalization of values; introduces the classification of instrumental, intrapersonal, imaginal, and system skills; and applies the value theory to the educational system. Section 2 presents a series of exercises in each of the four skill areas because skill development is crucial to making changes in behavior and values. All of the exercises are intended to present the individual with new data about the self and to explore a series of choices crucial to the process of giving direction to one's life. Seven appendices are included: (1) application of value theory; (2) feeling words; (3) value/skill/time list; (4) 125 values and their definitions; (5) glossary; (6) bibliography; and (7) Hall-Tonna Inventory of Values. (DB)