FREEDOM: AN ANALYSIS OF MORAL VALUES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

his study analyzed the concepts of freedom and moral values in teaching and learning in
secondary schools in Edo Central Senatorial District. Three research questions were raised
to guide the study. The philosophical research design was employed in the study; therefore,
this work relied on library research, documentary report, and evidence from different
authorities in fields of education, philosophy, religion, morality and values to provide
indepth background to the study. The population of the study consisted all the 68 principals in
the Sixty eight (68) public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District. A
sample of 7 principals from senior secondary schools in Edo Central Senatorial District
representing approximately 10percent of the population was drawn. The simple random
sampling technique was employed to arrive at a representative sample size. The instrument
used was an open ended/structured interview schedule outline titled: Interview Schedule
Outline for Principals (ISOP). The results showed that freedom in teaching and learning in
secondary schools is only to an extent and therefore not absolute freedom. It was uncovered
that respect for institutional authorities and elderly ones, including school teachers, school
principals, parents and their relatives, moral value for education as a legacy, value for
hardwork as against quick money syndrome or wealth accumulation from ill-gotten sources
and moral value for sexual modesty or decency are all moral issues among students. It was
therefore recommended that school community and even Parents Teachers Association
(PTA) should work together to ensure the freedom rights of students and teachers in the
teaching and learning process are respected even within the ambits of the school instituted
policies and code of conduct for students and staff.