Pedagogical practices and challenges in cultivating moral values: A qualitative study of primary school teachers in Pakistan

Holistic development is fostered when the education system allows learners to equip themselves with moral values, which is crucial in prospering a society. The current situation of moral disintegration among youth raises the importance of consolidation of moral values in education, and teachers play an important role in cultivating moral values among students. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the practices and challenges in imparting moral values by the teachers from primary schools in Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative design was adopted, followed by semi-structured interviews and observations. All the interviews were voice-recorded, transcribed precisely, and analyzed through the thematic analysis technique. The views of teachers were confirmed by observing their classes for two days. The findings reveal that the teachers impart moral values by using different teaching practices, i.e. exemplary role, teamwork, storytelling, (positive and negative) reinforcement, and arranging activities. In contrast, most of the teachers were unaware of moral philosophies and the moral work of teaching. Results also revealed other challenges which highlight the importance of inclusion of moral education in curriculum and teaching practices by providing adequate opportunities for the professional development of teachers and allocate sufficient resources for the moral work of teaching.