Question
Can values improve the quality of education?
Evidence
Seven years of school-based doctoral research
Finding
Values education can improve educational quality
Values-based Education was founded on Neil’s doctoral research at the University of Oxford into whether teaching values improves the quality of education in primary schools.
The research question
The study sought evidence about whether moral education in positive values is fundamental to quality education, and whether it can help pupils internalise and act on a personal ethical code.
It also examined whether values education supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural purposes of education and helps young people become caring citizens capable of contributing to a just society.
Key finding
The research data showed that values education does improve the quality of education.
The work identified effects including a calmer and more purposeful environment, a positive school ethos, stronger relationships, reflective self-awareness, active listening and an ethical vocabulary that supports self-discipline and empathy.
Download the full Oxford thesis ↗ Download the research summary ↗
Research evidence and further reading
The original website also shared a supporting research-evidence resource alongside the complete Oxford thesis and summary.
Open the original research-evidence resource ↗
