Teaching Values- An Olympic Education Toolkit - International ...

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO OLYMPIC VALUES EDUCATION
WELCOME
TO THIS TOOLKIT!
TEACHING VALUES: AN OLYMPIC EDUCATION TOOLKIT INCLUDES BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND A VARIETY OF
LEARNING ACTIVITIES TO HELP PROMOTE THE EDUCATIONAL VALUES OF OLYMPISM.
When nations join the
Olympic Movement and
send athletes to compete in
Olympic Games, they agree to a shared
set of values called “Fundamental
Principles” (see the Olympic Charter).
These principles incorporate a set of
values that the International Olympic
Committee refers to as “the educational
values of Olympism” (see p. 13). National
Olympic Committees agree to promote
these values in their countries. This Toolkit
Below “Imagining a
better world” drawing by
Bournas Voahangimalala
Olivia Rajaoferison,
Madagascar.
is designed to help members of the
Olympic Family to fulfil this responsibility.
In the Toolkit, Olympic-related
information provides a context for valuesbased
teaching and learning opportunities.
The focus is on HOW to teach and learn
the educational values of Olympism, not
on the Olympic facts and information.
Since the Toolkit is designed for learners
from 8 to 18 years, often with English as
a second language, there are activities for
a variety of different age levels and
reading abilities. Teachers and youth group
leaders are encouraged to adapt and
rework activities so that they are
appropriate for their learners.
In a world where obesity is a major
concern, and where children in deprived
communities need hope and a sense of
achievement, physical activity and sport
have an important role to play. The
symbols and ceremonies, sports and
cultural events of the Olympic Games are
inspiring and motivational. They provide a
relevant context for learning and teaching
activities.
The educational methods of Teaching
Values: An Olympic Education Toolkit are
based on current educational theory about
multicultural, intercultural and multipleintelligence
approaches to learning and
teaching. These methods are supported by
the following Principles of Learning:
Learning is an active and not a passive
activity. Learning processes include
writing activities, discussion or debate,
creative activities, e.g., art, drama or
music, and physical movement through
activities like sport, dance and physical
education.
People learn in different ways. Some
people learn best by reading; some
learn best by listening; some learn best
by creating things or moving around.
The activities in this Toolkit offer a
variety of approaches.
Learning is both an individual and a
cooperative activity. Some people work
best independently. In order to learn
and practice cooperation, however,
people need to work together. Thus, the
Toolkit offers many activities for people
to work together.
10 TEACHING VALUES