Ethos Education Winter 2013/4 | Page 33

BOOK REVIEWS

“FROM MY HEART - Transforming Lives Through Values”

Dr. Neil Hawkes. Price £14.99
Carmathen, Independent Thinking Press
ISBN 978-1781135106-2

ethos magazine

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positive education for the future

This book is well overdue and sets out to introduce to teachers, educationalists and the general public the notion
that Values and therefore values-based education have an important part to play in helping us to lead a fulfilling and
worthwhile life. It is not intended as an academic treatise on the philosophical or psychological nature and importance of
values, but rather an introduction for all to gain a better understanding of what values might be and how values impact
on our everyday thoughts and behaviour.
The book cleverly takes the reader along a developmental pathway and through structured reflection encourages the
reader to think about the content of each chapter and how this might impact on or change their own set of values.
In this context the seventeen chapters comprehensively examine what values might be in a variety of every day situations
and circumstances which reflect our experience of life. For example, through a variety of examples, chapter 1 asks us to
reflect on ourselves and how we respond to ourselves, others and the world around us. This then provides a starting point
for a personal journey of reflection and development, which explores aspects of values consciousness, well being, agency,
connectedness and transformation.
Chapter I explores the relationship between people and the fundamental core principles that apply to all aspects of
our dealings with ourselves and others. The chapter contains many thought provoking examples of how we deal with
interpersonal interaction, how reflection might help us achieve a more satisfactory way of communicating with others
and that such interaction is frequently based on our values.
The book then examines the starting point for values-based education, its philosophy, the importance of emphasising
positive values in education, the environment and chapters dealing with ‘self’, ‘others’ reflective practice, an ethical
vocabulary, the importance of role models. Again, it deals with these in some depth and asks the reader to reflect on each
of the issues through a process of structured questions at the end of each chapter.
Finally, Neil looks at the school curriculum, the role of school assemblies and the need to see the school as a community
led by someone versed in and knowledgeable about the importance of values in the educative process. He then covers
the importance of assessment and that this needs to be an integral part of values based education which must be built
into planning, implementation and review procedures in order to ensure quality assurance.
It is obvious that this book is the result of exceptional practical and theoretical experience in the field of education and
that Neil speaks with conviction from his ‘heart’. This is made quite clear in the final chapter, which provides a personal
challenge to teachers, educationalists and all others who are involved in the development of the young. Here he
questions the purpose and function of education in a process of human attainment which transcends standards and
targets.
Neil has written something that is unique. He shares his professional and personal experience with the reader and
provides a pathway through reflection for the reader to travel down a pathway leading to greater personal insight and
understanding of the importance of values and values based education. I can recommend this exceptional book to all
those who wish to know more.
© David Rowse 2013, All rights reserved

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