EDC 689 Character Education in the Classroom

This course examines the role of educators in developing moral and ethical behavior in students by assisting teachers in defining and identifying character traits that would be important in their school. Character education has become a very popular theme in education since the 1990's because of the increase of violence in schools, discipline concerns, and a national call to action for character education. Educators will explore different theories of moral development and identify skills that can be integrated into the classroom. Practical application of the concepts shared is an important part of this course. Teachers will prepare lessons/vignettes that they will use in their classrooms. They will analyze and critique these lessons to see the value of promoting character development in students. Another aspect of this course is the concept that the teacher can be an effective model for their students. Therefore, teachers will identify their own personal character strengths and explore how these strengths work to aid the teacher when problems occur in the classroom. It is the intent of this course to stretch beyond the classroom and that character education be developed into not only a school wide program but involve the community as well. Exploring avenues to involve the entire school, parents, and the community are addressed in this course.

Credits

3