A learning value encompasses a fundamental principle or belief that guides and influences the educational process. These values form the basis for shaping students’ learning experiences and aim to promote their comprehensive development. Learning values go beyond academic knowledge and encompass the acquisition of skills, attitudes, and character traits that contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals.

Learning values provide educators with a framework to create meaningful learning experiences and shape the overall culture and environment within a school. They define the desired outcomes of education beyond the mere acquisition of factual information, focusing instead on the development of skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and more.

Curiosity: Curiosity serves as a powerful motivator for learning. It involves a desire to explore, question, and comprehend the world around us. By nurturing curiosity, students become active learners who actively seek knowledge. To foster curiosity in a school setting, educators can:

• Design inquiry-based learning activities that encourage students to investigate topics of interest.
• Introduce real-life examples and practical applications of the subject matter to stimulate curiosity.
• Encourage students to ask questions and explore alternative perspectives.
• Provide access to a variety of resources, such as books, videos, and experiments, to satisfy students’ curiosity.

Critical thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply information to solve problems and make informed decisions. It encourages students to think independently, examine evidence, and consider multiple perspectives. To promote critical thinking in a school:

• Incorporate open-ended questions and problem-solving activities into lessons.
• Encourage discussions and debates that require students to justify their opinions and consider opposing viewpoints.
• Teach students how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources of information.
• Provide opportunities for collaborative projects that require critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Creativity: Creativity involves the capacity to generate original ideas, think innovatively, and express oneself in unique ways. It enhances problem-solving skills, innovation, and personal growth. To nurture creativity in a school:

• Provide opportunities for self-expression through arts, music, drama, and writing.
• Encourage divergent thinking by asking students to brainstorm multiple solutions to a problem.
• Foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and exploring new ideas.
• Integrate technology and multimedia tools that allow students to express their creativity in various forms.

Collaboration: Collaboration is the ability to work effectively with others towards a shared goal. It cultivates communication skills, teamwork, and empathy, preparing students for success in an interconnected world. To encourage collaboration in a school:

• Assign group projects that require students to collaborate, share ideas, and work towards a shared outcome.
• Teach communication and active listening skills, along with conflict resolution strategies.
• Create a positive classroom culture that values diversity of ideas and encourages cooperation.
• Provide opportunities for students to engage with their local community through service-learning projects.