A Community of lnquiry: Model of values education in a middle school for boys

In this paper we argue that values education works well as an integrated program that takes into account thinking skills, a community of inquiry, a supportive school environment and learning culture. We are also able to report that a values questionnaire developed for a large-scale survey in the Hunter Valley (Unicorn, Vol. 24, No.1, April) has produced useful and valid data when replicated in our much smaller and local survey.

The paper also attempts to contribute to an international dialogue on middle schooling, with particular reference to middle schooling for boys. We take it as given that values education has a place in contemporary (middle) schooling and suggest, on the basis of our experience, that the best way to teach values is to teach students to think better and then encourage them to think about values.