We are living in trying times, times that are unpredictable. The global challenges and the evolving social landscapes make it imperative for the youth to develop values and a unique blend of character traits and skills to thrive. And this is where the schools, that lay the foundational skills, can play a significant role. The schools, and later on institutions of higher learning, must prioritize character education. The learning environments have for a long time been characterised by head-heavy curriculum, high-stakes testing pressures and growing mental health concerns for young people.
How can then character education be integrated with existing priorities so that the citizens of tomorrow act in ethical, democratically and socially effective ways? This is important for an individual’s well-being and the functioning of a healthy society as people’s actions impact others in the world. It is important for all the educators to coalesce around shared goals and reflect on integrating values in their lessons. The students in turn can be prompted to examine their personal values and responsibilities and future goals in ways aligned with character education.
Teachers must guide students through the curriculum by leading discussions about their personal integrity and the importance of purpose-driven action.
They can also present a powerful idea or practice from their teaching and encourage kids to consider how it might be applied and adapted in their own contexts of the present times. Children become confident and are able to reflect and introspect on various aspects of life when they are fielded questions that prompt discussion. This also brings about the leadership qualities among children.
Teachers must collaborate and share their resources and the best teaching strategies/methodologies so as to support the students in the best way possible.
By enabling peer learning, collaborative reflections and shared pedagogical insights, teachers become more confident and skilled over time not only in their pedagogy but also about developing certain crucial strengths in all their students.
Students tend to achieve more when teachers have higher expectations of them, regardless of their initial level of performance, a dynamic called the Pygmalion Effect.
The teachers’ belief in their students’ growth in character has the potential to benefit student development on the ground.
