Nowadays, education is not only focused on the acquisition of academic knowledge, but also on the formation of upright and responsible citizens. In this context, the culture of legality plays a fundamental role in school life, being a key tool to promote ethics, integrity and values in the educational environment. Schools, as educational institutions, have the responsibility to instill these principles in students, and teachers are key players in this process.
The culture of legality refers to the voluntary adherence to the rules and laws that govern a society, based on respect for the rights and duties of each individual. In the school context, this culture translates into the collective construction of the code of coexistence, a set of rules that regulates the conduct of all members of the educational community. The objective is to create an environment where mutual respect, justice and responsibility prevail, essential elements for the integral formation of students and to achieve the exit profile of the national curriculum.
Ethics and integrity are fundamental pillars of the culture of legality. Ethics refers to the principles that guide human behavior, while integrity is manifested in the coherence between what is thought, said and done. To quote Juris (2020), «the culture of legality is the basis on which a just society is built, where rules not only regulate behavior, but also reflect the values shared by the community.» In the school environment, these values are essential for the development of an environment of trust and respect, where each student feels valued and motivated to act correctly.
As teachers, we have the responsibility to be role models for our students, demonstrating in our daily actions the values of ethics and integrity. This commitment goes beyond teaching academic content; involves the active promotion of a culture of legality through various strategies.
It is essential that the promotion of a culture of legality in schools be a coherent effort at the institutional level. This means that all staff members, from management to administrative personnel, must be aligned in the promotion and application of the norms and values established in the code of coexistence. This is the only way to ensure an environment where legality, ethics and integrity are truly part of daily life.
Adela Cortina stresses the importance of the culture of legality in the school environment, stating that «the school is not only a place where knowledge is transmitted, but also a crucial space to form citizens who understand and respect the rules.
as a reflection of the ethical values that sustain a just society» (Cortina, 2013, p. 56).
In the integral formation of students, the development of competencies or life skills is as important as the acquisition of academic knowledge. The culture of legality, centered on ethics, integrity and respect for the rules, is an essential component in the construction of these competencies. Schools, as training spaces, not only prepare students for academic success, but also to face the challenges of daily life in a responsible and ethical manner.
Life skills include a set of abilities needed to interact effectively in different social, work and personal contexts. These include the ability to make ethical decisions, problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and the management of emotions and conflicts. These skills are fundamental for the development of responsible citizens, capable of contributing positively to society.
The culture of lawfulness provides a solid framework for the development of life skills, as it promotes an environment where students can practice and strengthen these skills in a safe and guided manner.
Teachers play a crucial role in integrating a culture of lawfulness with the development of life skills. By modeling ethical and respectful behaviors, and providing students with opportunities to practice these skills, we can help them internalize these values and apply them in their daily lives. When we design learning strategies that include techniques and methods such as simulations and role-playing, collaborative projects, new forms of assessment: reflection and self-assessment,
A culture of lawfulness is not only fundamental to maintaining an orderly and just school environment, but it is also essential to the development of life skills in students. By integrating the teaching of legality with the development of skills such as ethical decision making, conflict resolution, and effective communication, teachers prepare students to face the challenges of the world with integrity and responsibility, thus contributing to the formation of citizens capable of living and thriving in a society based on respect for legality and ethical values.
Juris, J. (2020). The culture of legality and justice in education. Editorial Educación y Sociedad.
Cortina, A. (2013). The ethical task: Guidance in the school environment. Editorial Tecnos.
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