Exploring the Relevance of Values Education Through the Lens of Grade 10 Learners

This qualitative study determined the relevance and transformative role of Values Education in the moral and personal development of public Grade 10 junior high school learners in Tagum City Division. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative research design, the participants selected through snowball sampling, with data collected through in-depth interview and focus group discussion. Findings revealed that learners consider Values Education essential as it nurtures their character, strengthens empathy and social responsibility, and guides ethical decision-making in everyday life. However, several learners noted that its significance lessens when lessons are not contextualized or applied beyond the classroom. Further results showed that the principles gained from Values Education serve as moral guide that enable learners to practice virtues, reflect on their choices, and pursue continuous self-improvement. Learners also emphasized the importance of experiential learning, strong role modeling by educators, and the collaborative involvement of the home, school, and community to ensure that values taught in class are consistently lived out. The study revealed that Values Education remains highly relevant when it is grounded in real-life experiences and supported by interconnected social influences.

Values Education, Grade 10 learners, junior high school

1. Acido-Muega, M. B., Capadosa, R. N. C., & Muega, M. A. G. (2024). Moral reasoning courseware for problem solving in values education: Grade 8 students’ performances. The Educational Review, 17(1), 1–15. https://publishing.pup.edu.ph/ojs/index.php/EdRev/article/download/236/197/658 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Al-Thani, H., Santhosh, M. E., & Al-Dosari, M. (2025). From values to action: The role of personal and social values in shaping K–12 teachers’ wellbeing and professional outcomes. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1571907. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1571907 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Alwadai, M. A. M., & Alhaj, A. A. M. (2023). Perspectives of high school teachers on the role of values education in the curriculum: A qualitative study at Asir District, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Educational Research and Social Sciences Review, 40(1), 617–629. https://ideas.repec.org/a/tec/journl/v40y2023i1p617-629.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ayon, J. S., Fernando, D. S., & Bual, J. M. (2024). Awareness of DepEd core values among Grade 12 students in a public high school in the Philippines. Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 37(6), 257–267. https://doi.org/10.9734/jesbs/2024/v37i61343 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Balakrishnan, V. (2023). Teaching moral values through real life dilemmas. Indonesian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 2(2), 78–88. https://doi.org/10.33650/ijess.v2i2.7712 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Balong, D., Mateo, M. W., Alibal, R. S., Velasco, A. P., & Mariacos, J. B. (2024). Values education integrating in teaching in the elementary grade level. International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Trends, 10(3), 1–8. https://ijsret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IJSRET_V10_issue3_146.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Balong, M. A., et al. (2025). Exploring the relevance and impact of values education on students’ social and emotional development. International Journal of Formal and Modern Research, 7(3), 45–59. https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2025/3/44936.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall. https://books.google.com/books/about/Social_Learning_Theory.html?id=IXvuAAAAMAAJ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Belarmino, T. C. O., Asdali, M. C. P., & Jianson, M. H. (2024). Learners’ perspectives: Relevance of teaching values education in the 21st century. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 19(6), 690–695. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Belen, C. F., & Ricafrente, J. (2023). Values exhibited and its effect to personal development among Grade 6 learners during modular instruction in the Division of Quezon. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=21295 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Birt, L., Scott, S., Cavers, D., Campbell, C., & Walter, F. (2016). Member checking: A tool to enhance trustworthiness or merely a nod to validation? Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1802–1811. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732316654870 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Carbonilla, I. F., Advincula, R. M. B., Adonis, E. M. G., & Roperez, M. L. M. (2024). Barriers to practicing values: Challenges encountered by values education students in applying values education to their everyday lives. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 7(6). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v7-i06-45 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Ching, G. S., Malabanan, J. C., & Canete, J. J. O. (2025). Adapting to online education: Social and emotional learning and teaching efficacy among Filipino teachers post-pandemic. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(3), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25801 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Choi, Y., Kim, D., & Lee, H. (2023). Exploring key service-learning experiences that promote undergraduate students’ learning. Asia Pacific Education Review, 24(2), 259–272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-023-09833-5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Dado, M., Spence, J. R., & Elliott, J. (2023). The case of contradictions: How prolonged engagement, reflexive journaling, and observations can contradict qualitative methods. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231189372 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Dela Cruz, F. (2019). Students’ perceptions on the teaching of values education in Lumbangan National High School. Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts, 3(2M). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Department of Education, Culture, and Sports. (1988). The DECS Values Education Program (DO No. 6, s. 1988). https://www.deped.gov.ph/1988/01/25/do-6-s-1988-the-decs-values-education-program/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Department of Education. (2016). K to 12 Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao Curriculum Guide. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ESP-CG.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Döring, A. K., Jones, E., Oeschger, T. P., & Makarova, E. (2024). Giving voice to educators: Primary school teachers explain how they promote values to their pupils. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 39(4), 3607–3631. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00885-8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Escobal, C., Arboleda, M. S., Jarina, J. A., & Caluza, L. J. B. (2023). Philippine public school values education teachers’ experiences in classroom positive discipline: A phenomenological inquiry. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, 9(1), 1–13. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=21641 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Eslit, E. M. (2023). Enduring synergy of values integration, critical thinking, and moral reasoning. ERIC Institute of Education Sciences. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED629019.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Fajri, A. (2025). Parental contributions to character development in primary education. IGI Insight Child Development, 1(1), 44–58. https://doi.org/10.53905/ChildDev.v1i01.5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Feliza, A. (2025). Teachers as ethical role models: Their influence on student character formation. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391941545_Teachers_as_Ethical_Role_Models_Their_Influence_on_Student_Character_Formation [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Furco, A. (2023). Service-learning as values education. In T. Lovat, N. Clement, & R. Toomey (Eds.), Second international research handbook on values education and student wellbeing (pp. 427–448). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24420-9_23 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Guerrero, J. M., & Estera, M. V. (2025). The impact of teaching values education on students’ classroom behavior. United International Journal for Research & Technology, 6(9). https://uijrt.com/paper/teaching-values-education-student-classroom-behavior [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Hatmono, P. D., Sutimin, L. A., Akhyar, M., & Djono. (2025). Effectiveness of value clarification technique (VCT)-based teaching materials on high school students’ understanding of multiculturalism. Ed Process: International Journal, 15(2), 45–58. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1475876.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. (2025). Exploring the relevance and impact of values education. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2025/3/44936.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications. (2024). Teacher’s integration and student’s manifestation of DepEd core values. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications, 7(1). https://ijmrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IJMRAP-V7N1P26Y24.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Kalita, K. (2015). Need of value education and a teacher’s role. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 3(4), 566–571. https://www.researchpublish.com/upload/book/Need%20of%20Value%20Education-2563.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Kim, H., Sefcik, J. S., & Bradway, C. (2017). Characteristics of qualitative descriptive studies: A systematic review. Research in Nursing & Health, 40(1), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.21768 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Kilag, O. K., Catacutan, A., Miñoza, M. L., Arcillo, M., Espinosa, S., & Figer-Canes, R. M. (2023). Optimizing the teaching of values education: Strategies for integration and contextualization. Excellencia: International Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Education, 1(1), 65–76. https://multijournals.org/index.php/excellencia-imje/article/view/6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Kohlberg, L. (1981). The philosophy of moral development: Moral stages and the idea of justice (Vol. 1). Harper & Row. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL4095794M [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Korstjens, I., & Moser, A. (2018). Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 4: Trustworthiness and publishing. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 120–124. https://doi.org/10.1080/13814788.2017.1375092 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Lambert, V. A., & Lambert, C. E. (2012). Qualitative descriptive research: An acceptable design. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, 16(4), 255–256. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Lanaca, D. G., Albor, E. L., & Recto, M. L. (2022). Parenting styles and values formation as predictors of civic participation of senior high school students. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 5(11), 47–54. https://www.ijmra.in/v5i11/3.php [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Li, S., & Wang, J. (2024). Promote the quality of parent–teacher relationships through home–school partnerships. Education Humanities & Social Sciences, 1(2), 45–57. https://doi.org/10.54097/rw5bvb63 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for character: How our schools can teach respect and responsibility. Bantam Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Lin, Y. (2025). Preschool educators’ perceptions on values education: A systematic review. Education Sciences, 15(2), Article 140. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020140 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Löper, M. F., & Hellmich, F. (2024). Teachers’ role model behavior and the quality of the student–teacher relationship as prerequisites for students’ attitudes toward peers with learning difficulties. Frontiers in Education, 9, Article 1400471. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.140047 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Maguate, G. (2024). The values education in the MATATAG curriculum: Character and competence. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4873110 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Marquez, L. P. (2017). Critical thinking in Philippine education: What we have and what we need. Policy Futures in Education, 15(2), 1–10. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. McLeod, S. (2025). Confirmability in qualitative research. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/confirmability-in-qualitative-research.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Mendrofa, D. (2024). The role of character-based curriculum in forming students’ ethics and morals. STAI YPIQ Baubau Journal. https://journal.staiypiqbaubau.ac.id/index.php/Tarim/article/download/1058/1048/4291 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Merlin, I., & Soubramanian, P. (2024). From self-awareness to social savvy: How intrapersonal skills shape interpersonal competence in university students. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, Article 1469746. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1469746 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Meylani, Y., & Juwita, P. (2020). Development of value clarification technique learning models based on role-playing to increase internalization of student character values. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Progressive Education (ICOPE 2019) (Vol. 125, pp. 583–588). Atlantis Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Mohamad, N., Sihes, A. J., & Mohd Bohari, N. (2021). Teachers’ perception of values education implementation in school: A systematic review. ResearchGate. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Monterola, J. R., & Basilan, A. M. (2023). Learners’ perceptions, beliefs, practices, and experiences in DepEd core values inculcation: Inputs for improvement. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 7(6), 246–252. https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/learners-perceptions-beliefs-practices-and-experiences-in-deped-core-values-inculcation-inputs-for-improvement/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Monzaga, J. M., Liban, A. M., & Afable, F. P. (2024). Evaluating out-of-field teaching in values education in the Division of Cavite Province. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4890765 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Moya, Y. M., & Tagadiad, C. L. (2023). The mediating effect of school culture on the relationship between student engagement and public speaking class anxiety. United International Journal for Research & Technology, 4(9), 9–22. https://uijrt.com/paper/mediating-effect-school-culture-relationship-between-student-engagement-public-speaking-class-anxiety [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Nasar, I., Nurdianingsih, F., Rahmi, E., & Purwanto, M. B. (2024). Values of character education: Study of strengthening the culture of digital literacy for youth in disruptive 5.0 era. Gema Wiralodra, 15(1), 596–604. https://doi.org/10.31943/gw.v15i1.688 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Nguyen, Q. T. N., & Huynh, S. V. (2024). The need for values education programs for both pre-service teachers and in-service teachers in Vietnam. Asian Journal of Education and Training, 10(1), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.20448/edu.v10i1.5368 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Parmiti, D. P. (2018). The effect of value clarification technique (VCT) using teaching materials on social attitude and learning achievement. SHS Web of Conferences, 42, 00092. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Pereira, L. J. (2016). Values education in Bangladesh: Understanding high school graduates’ perspectives (Doctoral dissertation, University of the Incarnate Word). UIW Athenaeum. https://athenaeum.uiw.edu/uiw_etds/20/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Putri, K. M. (2022). The role of the class teacher in the development of student character (Undergraduate thesis). Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/563789-the-role-of-the-class-teacher-in-the-dev-1fa79ac8.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Quimson, L. O., Jr. (2020). #LIKEORUNLIKE: A descriptive study on the effects of social media on the moral development of young people. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 9(4), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2020.5912 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Ramadhani, D. (2024). The role of character education in forming ethical and responsible students. IJGIE: International Journal of Global Issues in Education, 6(2). https://journal.iaisambas.ac.id/index.php/IJGIE/article/view/3064 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Roesgaard, M. H. (2017). Moral education in Japan: Values in a global context. Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

61. Ryan, K., & Bohlin, K. E. (1999). Building character in schools: Practical ways to bring moral instruction to life. Jossey-Bass. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

62. Sambasiva Rao, N., Hema Chandra Rao, D., & Tirupathi Rao, V. (2019). Declining ethical and moral values among youth. International Journal of Enhanced Research in Management & Computer Applications, 8(8), 14–18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

63. Santos, K. D. S., Ribeiro, M. C., Queiroga, D. E. U., Silva, I. A. P. D., & Ferreira, S. M. S. (2020). The use of multiple triangulations as a validation strategy in a qualitative study. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 25(2), 655–664. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232020252.12302018 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

64. Setyowulandari, R., Rifqi, N. R., & Usman, F. (2023). Character education in the formation of morals in elementary schools. Jurnal Al Burhan, 5(1), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.58988/jab.v5i1.370 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

65. Shrestha, B. K., & Gupta, P. (2023). Impact of value education in personal behaviour of students: A case study of Nepal. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

66. Suharta, R. B., Septiarti, S. W., & Kusumawardani, E. (2025). School and family partnership: Informal learning context to build children’s character. International Journal of Education and Research, 13(1), 88–97. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

67. Takamatsu, R., Lee, J., & Kim, H. (2024). Morality through the lens of Confucian heritage countries. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, Article 1454425. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1454425 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

68. Tamon, C. J., & Makalintal, M. C. (2020). Its impact on moral development of Grade 12 ABM students in Bestlink College of the Philippines. Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts, 2(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

69. The value of values education in the virtual classroom. (2022). Bedan Research Journal, 7(1), 34–48. https://bedanjournal.org/index.php/berj/article/view/21 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

70. Thornberg, R., & Oğuz, E. (2013). Teachers’ views on values education: A qualitative study in Sweden and Turkey. International Journal of Educational Research, 59, 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2013.03.005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

71. UNESCO. (2015). Global citizenship education: Topics and learning objectives. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

72. United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

73. Universal Institute Journal of Research and Technology. (2024). Teaching strategies in values education among secondary school teachers in Kabayan District. Universal Institute Journal of Research and Technology, 4(9), 9–22. https://uijrt.com/paper/teaching-strategies-in-values-education-among-secondary-school-teachers-in-kabayan-district [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

74. Utami, S., Cronin, L., & Al Sanie, A. H. (2024). The influence of the school environment on the formation of children’s character. Journal of Basic Education Research, 5(1), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.37251/jber.v5i1.850 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

75. World Values Survey Association. (2023). Cultural map of the world 2023: Inglehart–Welzel world cultural map. https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSNewsShow.jsp?ID=467 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

76. Yıldırım, K., & Yıldırım, A. (2021). An examination of values education based on the experiences of classroom teachers. Psycho-Educational Research Reviews, 10(2), 270–283. https://doi.org/10.52963/PERR_Biruni_V10.N2.19 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

77. Zhang, W., Wang, W., Yang, B., & Liu, T. (2021). Moral disengagement and cyber aggression among adolescents: The mediating role of parenting styles. Journal of Adolescence, 89, 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.03.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

78. Zhu, X., Shek, D. T. L., Dou, D., & Ma, C. M. S. (2022). Parental and school influences on character attributes: The role of behavioral control, support, and parent–child relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 891451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.891451 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study