Tree of values: what is it and how is this education technique used?

The tree of values ​​is an activity mainly used to instill principles of life. It is generally used in a child population, but depending on the case, and with some adjustments, it could also be useful in adults.

In the following article we are going to review everything related to this technique, what is the main way to use it, and the contexts in which it could be used to motivate people.

• Related article: "The 10 types of values: principles that govern our lives"

What is the tree of values ​​and what is its purpose?

The tree of values ​​is designed so that people are able to discover what is really important in their lives, that is, so that they make a process of self-discovery and realize what values ​​define their way of to be.

First, participants are presented with a series of values ​​easily recognizable by them, with the intention that they are able to select them and explain for themselves what the value they have selected.

In this way, they are given the possibility to recognize what is really important to them, and the facilitator has the opportunity to expand the prior knowledge that the participant has about the value that has selected.

The usual thing is that the values ​​are explained through examples, stories, and stories and other similar resources; so that the participants, who are usually children, feel more motivated to engage in such knowledge, and to practice it in their daily lives.

The values ​​that are worked with more frequently are the following; responsibility, respect for others, punctuality, being orderly, perseverance, empathy, self-control, collaboration with others, and non-violence.

Despite this, this activity is easily moldable and can be used to teach any value that is considered relevant., depending on the framework in which the dynamics is applied. Not all people have the same needs, and this activity is easily adapted to the requirements of the participants.

How does this technique work?

Although the technique can be practiced in various ways, depending on the facilitator's convenience, it must always consist of three fundamental parts so that it can be well applied. Let's see what they are.

1. Exposure of behaviors

In this first part the facilitator proceeds to show the participants the range of values ​​available, based on a series of behaviors. That is, they are not given a direct explanation of each value, but are shown a situation in which each of the values ​​to be worked on is involved.

• You may be interested: "The 6 stages of childhood (physical and mental development)"

2. Identification of the value

Second, after they have listened to the facilitator's stories regarding each of the values ​​to be worked on, the Participants should be in charge of clearly identifying what the main value has been in each of the stories and examples given by the instructor.

In general, it is done jointly, between several of the participants. Depending on the size of the work group, small groups could even be made where they compete with each other to get more values ​​right.

3. Visual classification

Finally, once all the participants or groups of participants have stated what the values ​​are behind each story, we proceed to make the visual representation of said values, which is done in the form of tree.

This last phase of the dynamic consists of the participants They should use their artistic resources to draw a tree, in which all the values ​​that were previously worked on should be seen..

Normally the values ​​are represented by the leaves of the trees, or between the foliage of the tree. They must be arranged in a hierarchical way, where the most important values ​​for the subject are located at the top. The values ​​that are not so important will go towards the bottom of the tree.

Although this part of the dynamic can also be done jointly, keeping the same groups of the previous phases, it is important that the facilitator clarifies that each of the participants must carry out their own tree.

Expected results

The expected results after applying this activity have to do with young people generating a code of values ​​on a personal level, which allows them to feel comfortable applying these principles in their life daily. The value tree is a technique that greatly helps to establish proper moral development in infants.

In the case of adults, it is advisable to apply this technique to show them the benefits of that they will begin to have from the moment they begin to implement these values ​​in their everyday life.

Usually the tree of values It is used in the adult population when they are subjects who are participating in some type of rehabilitation, regardless of the case, or also for those who are in the process of being reintegrated into society.

Bibliographic references:

• Vallés, A. (1999). How to change child behavior. Guide for parents. Alicante: Editorial Marfil.