Teacher perception of character education
Date
2009
Authors
Tuff, Lone
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, c2009
Abstract
This study explores teachers’ understanding of character education, their perceived role
in curriculum development, implementation effectiveness, and their teaching practices.
This two-part investigation surveys teachers from two schools, followed by an interview
process with six of those participants. The school staffs of one elementary school and one
elementary-junior-high school were surveyed to provide a general overview of teacher
understanding of expectations, their knowledge of character traits identified in the
curriculum goals of their Board of Education, and opinions about how their current
teaching practice addresses the development of character. The interview data provided indepth
information about teacher interpretation of character by their Western Canadian
urban Public Board, details about their current teaching practices, including techniques
and strategies incorporated, and their feelings about how character education should be
taught in the school. The research revealed that teachers were generally unaware of the
board’s curriculum expectations of the 11 character traits to be taught in school. There
were mixed responses about who was responsible for teaching character: Some felt the
responsibility was on the parents, while others felt it should be all adults. The study found
that teachers were, in fact, currently teaching and assessing students on many of the traits
identified as being significant as part of the hidden, lived curriculum.
Description
ix, 95 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Moral education -- Alberta , Moral education -- Study and teaching -- Alberta , Character -- Study and teaching -- Alberta , Values -- Study and teaching -- Alberta , Education -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Alberta , Curriculum planning -- Alberta , Teacher participation in curriculum planning -- Alberta , Dissertations, Academic