The Effect of “Living Values: An Educational Program” on Behaviors and Attitudes of Elementary Students in a Private School in Lebanon

Abstract

The study examines the effect of the “Living Values Educational Program” (LVEP) on certain behaviors and attitudes related to personal intelligences (Intrapersonal & Interpersonal) in elementary school students in a private school in Lebanon. A sample of 76 second and third grade students was randomly selected. A pre-post experimental control group design was used. Students in the treatment group followed lessons from three of the program’s value units, namely: Peace, Respect and Love, in addition to the regular school curriculum for a whole school year, while the control group continued with the school’s regular curriculum. Both groups were pre tested prior to the implementation of the program and then post tested using the following instruments: Harter’s Perceived Competence Scales, Teachers’ Rating Scale, and the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i:YV (S)). Data was analyzed using t-tests and qualitative teacher parent interviews. Significant treatment effects were found on students’ self-perceptions in the Scholastic, Cognitive and Social domains of the Harter Scale, as compared to the control group. Also, significant differences in the Teachers Rating Scale posttest measures, in favor of the treatment group were also found, but not on the EQ-i:YV (S) subscales and total EQ post test mean scores. Results were discussed and explanations were provided with recommendations for future research.