Ahmet Akif Erbaş, Elif Sena Kiraz Karabulut
The relationship between an attitude and values is a key factor in determining the strength of that attitude. Holding a value-based attitude lends strength to that attitude. The process of acquiring values begins in the family and continues systematically in schools. The literature contains a gap regarding the processes of instilling values, highlighting the need for comprehensive and up-to-date meta-analyses, while further research is needed to explain the relationship between attitudes and values across different cultures. In this research, which uses a meta-analytic approach, the effect of values education practices on students' attitudes toward values was examined. Within the scope of the study, 6,556 theses conducted in Türkiye were examined, and 62 theses were included in the meta-analysis. In accordance with the inclusion criteria, the studies in the sample represent a total of 1,788 students from preschool to university. It was determined that the implemented values education practices had a large positive effect on students' attitudes (g = 1.546, 95% CI = [1.304-1.788]). It was understood that values education practices conducted at different educational levels had different effects on students' attitudes. The highest effect size was found at the primary school, preschool, middle school, and high school levels, respectively. These findings provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of values education practices and offer implications for curriculum development and educational policy.