Published : The Star, Sunday February 24, 2019 MYT 8:41 PM

We refer to the article “Dr. Maszlee: PM worried about erosion of values among students” (The
Star, Feb 24). In this article, Dr. Mazlee said that the Prime Minister had stressed the importance
of cultivating good values from a young age.

It is not easy to guide student’s ethical development in a difficult world, but there are some
methods that we can use it. Remember that the student who taught moral values early and regularly
are more likely to develop the sense of conscience needed to make them think twice before they
respond. They will make mistakes and behave poorly at times, but it is important that is to use
these bad decisions as a learning opportunity.

We can use the examples from Japan how Japanese government making a concerted effort
in moral education. Moral education is an integral of Japan’s educational system. Japan’s
Education Ministry said his goal is to “cultivate student’s morality, including moral mentality,
judgment, engagement, and attitude” through all the educational activities in school.

The school and teachers follow basic moral guidelines without enforcing their own
personal beliefs. Some of the values that students are taught include how to respect the elderly,
care for animals, respect parents, help those with disabilities, and cooperate with each other.
Elementary school children also take turns being in charge of cleaning the classroom after school,
serving lunch, taking care of plants or school pets such as rabbits or fish.

The Japanese concept of hansei (self-reflection) helps you identify where you have room
for improvement and most importantly, how to achieve that improvement. Students are often asked
to create goals and identify plans to reach them. The ‘growth mindset’ hansei gives students a
sense of control over their future. If they want a better outcome, they must plan and work hard.

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Anyone
who want something or to achieve a goal must set his mind to it and work for it. Ambition and
hard work must begin in the schools and classrooms. Students must not allow to be lazy, and they
should be required to complete all assignments on time. Just like what our Prime Minister want to
produce students who were hardworking and willing to toil for what they wanted. It was possible
to successfully implement a value-based education system with the support of teachers.
 Honesty and integrity are important in life. In the classroom, students must be taught not
to cheat on tests, not to copy classmates' homework, and not to tell lies to the teacher and others.
A teacher must guide the students to be honest by setting a good example to them and how
dishonesty is never really rewarded.

Student responsibility is one of important values. Being responsible and held accountable
for one's actions is a necessary behavior for all members of society. There is no better place than
the classroom to learn to be responsible. Students must be responsible and held accountable for
bringing their books and school supplies to class, turning in assignments on time, making up
missed assignments, and being punctual to class. But first, the teacher must set by being punctual
to class and prepared the lessons.

Instilling moral or character values comes from the home. However, if children are
spending more time outside of the home, schools could profit from supporting these lessons. It is
the responsibility of the teacher to assist in developing desirable characteristics or moral values of
students.

WAN KHADIJAH HANNAN BT WAN ABDUL AZIZ

G1815334
Master of Education
School Holiday Programme