Abstract:

The main objective of our research is to get an overview of the practical value education in Germany. Therefore, we investigated 167 projects aiming at value education for children and youths in Germany conducted in the last five years. We specifically had a closer look at three issues, namely at the aims of value education in practice, the value topic which was taught, and the implemented measures for value education. We had a closer look at these three issues in different societal levels for socialization aspects of family, day care, school, and youth employment.

Looking at value education in families, we discovered a very heterogeneous value education, depending on the different parenting styles. Aims focused on the sensitization for values, as well as on the discussion, argumentation, and exchange of values. Value topics were social cohesion and trust. The most often used measures, which were mentioned, were project work, action days, and behaving as a model.
In the socialization aspect of day care, we particularly found in the projects of value formation as aims cohesion and communication about values. Often named value topics were respect and fairness. Games, discussion about values, and practical exercises are the most often used measures for value education in this socialization aspect.

Having a closer look at schools, the main aims of the investigated projects were cohesion and democracy/democratic attitude. In these projects the values which should be taught were respect, democracy, and social cohesion. Implemented measures were particularly project work, mentoring, behaving as a model and discussion about values.

The analysis of the aims in youth employment showed in the investigated projects, that most often social cohesion and democracy/democratic attitudes were mentioned. Value topics were tolerance, respect and solidarity. Measures were mainly project work, mentoring, behaving as a model and discussing about values.

When comparing the project practice over all socialization aspects, it is striking that in day care, schools, and youth employment almost similar aims and values were taught. Most often, social cohesion is named in all investigated projects. Furthermore, the value topic “respect” is also of great importance. This value is supplemented by fairness in day care, and by democracy in school and youth employment.

Related to these results in the different socialization aspects, we found specifically six aspects to recommend. First, there should be more well-grounded evaluation studies. Second, it is necessary to initiate longitudinal studies including the aspect of sustainability. Third, additional socialization aspects and topics should be considered in further studies. Fourth, initiating model projects for networking between the single socialization aspects are important. Fifth, the process of value formation must be analyzed. Finally, measures need to be initiated in order to bring value-oriented action more to the forefront of society.

The presented study gives a first impression of the project practice of value education in Germany without a demand of completeness. Even though, these results may show a relatively homogeneous picture, looking at different projects in more detail, there is a great diversity of value education in Germany.

Keywords:

Moral Education, different societal levels for socialization.