LOVE AS THE FOUNDATION OF THE CURRICULUM: THE INTEGRATION OF AFFECTIVE VALUES IN LEARNING

Abstract

Education is not solely oriented toward the mastery of cognitive competencies, but also toward the development of students’ affective and psychomotor domains. In response to the challenges of contemporary education, the integration of affective values has become increasingly important, particularly through the adoption of love as the foundation of the curriculum. This article aims to examine the concept of a love-based curriculum and to explore strategies for integrating affective values into the learning process. This study employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method, drawing on books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and educational policy documents relevant to humanistic education and affective learning. The findings indicate that the integration of affective values grounded in love contributes to the creation of a humanistic learning climate, enhances empathy and learning motivation, and supports the holistic development of students’ character. A love-based curriculum places the relationship between educators and learners at the core of the educational process, ensuring that learning goes beyond knowledge transmission to foster fundamental human values. By emphasizing care, respect, empathy, and emotional engagement, education becomes a meaningful process that nurtures both intellectual growth and moral development. Therefore, love-based education offers a conceptual and practical framework for promoting humane, inclusive, and character-oriented learning in modern educational contexts.