Integrating Values

Summary

This lesson plan from two schools in Indonesia focuses on holistic growth rather than academic rankings, using Christian values to shape students' character. Anchored in Philippians, it emphasizes self-regulation as a key skill. Students commit to a week-long project where they practice a chosen value, reflect on their experience, and share their journey on social media. The goal isn't public recognition, but private reflection on personal growth and impact. This lesson challenges students—and viewers—to consider what values they live out and how their actions can influence others.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Education can go beyond grades by focusing on values and habits that shape who students become in everyday life.
• 🎓 The featured seventh-grade curriculum emphasizes holistic growth rather than competition or class rank.
• 🙏 The schools ground their teaching in Christian education, centering learning on faith and character development.
• 📖 The lesson is built on Philippians’ call to “work out your salvation,” framed as a continuous, lived process rather than something to earn.
• ⛓️ The Apostle Paul’s imprisonment adds urgency and authenticity to the message, reinforcing perseverance despite hardship.
• ✨ Students are encouraged to see themselves as positive influences who can “shine like stars” through their daily actions.
• 🧠 Self-regulation is highlighted as a key character trait, helping students manage emotions, thoughts, and actions to pursue meaningful goals.
• 🧩 Self-regulation is shown as interconnected with other traits such as perspective, love of learning, and wisdom.
• 📱 A week-long social media project turns abstract values into real-life practice through commitment, reflection, and accountability.
• 🤝 Sharing reflections and tagging peers and teachers builds a supportive community rather than focusing on popularity or likes.
• 💭 Guided reflection questions help students explore joy, challenges, motivation, and the broader impact of living out their values.
• 🌍 The lesson ultimately challenges everyone—not just students—to intentionally choose a value to live out each day.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the seventh-grade curriculum discussed in the video?

The main goal is to help students develop holistic growth by focusing on core values and making them practical, not just focusing on acing tests or achieving high ranks.

How do the schools in Indonesia approach the teaching of Christian values?

The schools focus on developing a strong faith and solid character in students, using scriptural foundations to anchor their teachings and guide students toward personal growth.

What is the significance of the passage from the book of Philippians in the lesson plan?

The passage, 'Continue to work out your salvation,' serves as a call to action and encourages students to actively live out their faith and values, rather than just thinking about them passively.

What is the difference between 'working out your salvation' and 'working for it' as explained in the lesson?

'Working out your salvation' refers to living out the faith and values you already have, while 'working for it' implies trying to earn salvation. The lesson emphasizes that salvation is a gift, not something to be earned.

How does the lesson plan promote self-regulation as a key character trait?

The lesson teaches students the importance of self-regulation by encouraging them to manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions, so they can pursue their goals with confidence.

What other character traits does the lesson focus on to support self-regulation?

The lesson highlights traits such as perspective, love for learning, and wisdom, which serve as foundational skills for building self-regulation.

How does the lesson plan incorporate social media into the learning process?

Students are given a week-long project where they pick a Christian value to practice and share their experiences on social media. This helps turn abstract values into tangible actions in their everyday lives.

What are the three steps involved in the social media project?

Step 1: Commit to practicing a Christian value for a week. Step 2: Post a reflection on the experience. Step 3: Tag teachers and friends to create a supportive community.

What is the ultimate goal of the project, beyond social media posts and public engagement?

The ultimate goal is private reflection. The project encourages students to deeply think about their experiences, motivations, and the impact of living out the values they chose.

How does the curriculum help students reflect on their experiences during the project?

The curriculum provides specific questions to guide their reflection, such as: 'What makes you happy to apply this truth?', 'What makes it difficult?', and 'Why do you want to do this, and what impact might it have on others?'