Importance of Value and Factors That Promote Value System – JSS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Values are the beliefs and principles that guide a person’s behaviour and goal-setting. A good value system is promoted by consistency, integrity, commitment, fairness and tolerance. Values help us to set and achieve goals, control our behaviour, influence others positively and live happy, fulfilled lives.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State five factors that promote a good value system.
2. Explain each of these factors in simple words.
3. List the importance of values.

What factors promote a good value system?

Values guide an individual’s goal-setting. A value system can be improved by the following factors:

1. Consistency: This is being used to doing the same thing regularly without changing. Such a person can be predicted from his beliefs and does not embrace bad values in society.
2. Integrity: This describes the qualities of strong moral principles in a person. He will be opposed to taking bribes, corruption, examination malpractice and so on.
3. Commitment: This means focusing completely on an activity until it is accomplished. Citizens are required to be committed to the government’s programmes.
4. Fairness: This is treating people equally according to the rule. It means avoiding favouritism in all its forms.
5. Tolerance: This is the willingness to accept the opinions or behaviour of others who may not be like us. It respects other cultures and religions, and promotes peace, cooperation and progress in society.

Why are values important?

• They help in goal setting.
• They control our behaviour.
• They make us have a positive influence on others.
• They make us happy and fulfilled.
• They help in achieving the goals we have set.

Evaluation

1. What is integrity?
2. Explain tolerance.
3. What does fairness mean?
4. State three importance of values.

Assignment

Mention 4 factors that promote good values.