How do you define the term ‘Education'? Education is a lifelong activity or the process of teaching, which begins at one's birth and continues till he dies. Education plays a very important role in the development of any individual and the society itself. Education can be of various forms. It can be formal or informal, traditional or modern and it can be indigenous or imported.
Character education, an extended arm of education is intended to educate one's character and behavior. Character education programs conducted in schools cultivate positive personal attributes and civility among all students. It is a deliberate effort to create a community of harmony in which positive personal attitudes and values are fostered. Character education promotes these qualities and requires to be continuously and constantly practiced in every student's day to day actions.
Some people believe that reading Bible stories to your child or behaving in front of you kid in a way you expect him to behave is a part of character education. But this is not the real truth, even though doing these things may be important. In fact, character education is something that should be instilled in your child whether you are around him or not. It should be a whole-school effort to create a broader and better community in which positive personal attributes and values are fostered.
Many of the issues that today's world encounters like, gang activity, crime, drug abuse, vandalism, juvenile delinquency or racial tensions are all caused due to the lack of good character qualities. Or it may even be the misapplication of good behavioral qualities. If we have to find a long term solution to these issues then we need to treat them from the roots. We must do that by working to improve our own character first and then should also help others around us to improve theirs too!
We need to develop character and good behavior through teaching a set of core ethics and values. We then need to help and assist the rest of the world by teaching and demonstrating these values to all children, youth and adults.
Even business leaders are now emphasizing more on the need of Character education programs to achieve more profit. Employees who are more diligent, responsible, alert or attentive will certainly become an asset to any business establishment and thereby helping the business to be more successful. Hence, we should and we must think in terms of character development in every walk of our life. Character education and training will definitely ensure you lasting success!
Academic instruction isn't the only responsibility teachers have in today's classrooms. More and more, teachers are being called on to teach students about values ... things like making good decisions, the showing of respect, taking responsibility, choosing friends, and having a positive attitude. It's a responsibility that could be overwhelming, considering the limited hours available in a school day, the number of kids in the classroom, and the diversity of backgrounds and personalities each child represents.
Character Education by Just Do The Right Thing" is a practical and powerful tool that equips educators to tackle values training with confidence.
By: Francis David
