The Values Included in Our Arabic Language Textbooks at the First Three Grades of the Basic Cycle in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed to exploring the values included in our Arabic language textbooks of the first three grades of the basic cycle in Jordan. The sample of the study consisted of all these books which are approved for the scholastic year 2004-2005. The researchers developed a special categorization as a tool to analyze the content of the books. This tool consisted of ten domains, and each domain was subdivided further to other values. The validity of the tool and Reliability of the analysis were obtained. The study results revealed that ninety four values were included in the textbooks with 411 frequencies. It also revealed that the most frequent values were: cleanliness within the environmental domain, respect and appreciation of others and cooperation which belong to the social domain, the two values of worship and good manners, which belong to the religious domain, and the value of patriotism which belong to the National domain. The result indicated that the most frequent domains were: social, religious and health domain. The values were distributed on the textbooks as follows: first, second and third grade respectively. In the light of the study results, it is recommended that more concentration need to be given to the less frequent values such as truth, respect of soldiery and personal cleanliness.