Running Head: Character Building
Character Building
Atang B. Tlhankane 201500857
Sade Gilika 201500341
Kabontle Modukanele 201503006
Codeliah Phuthegelo 201500462
PSY 305
University of Botswana
1
, LITERATURE REVIEW
Scholars such as Battistich (2008) mention that schools and various institutions today face
enormous challenges in educating all of the young people in their charge. In addition to
providing youth with basic academic knowledge and skills, and promoting their character
development, schools have increasingly been called upon to play a primary role in helping to
solve a variety of social problems among youth (Battistich, 2008).
In the past 15 years, a growing body of theory and research in the area of character
education suggests that a well-conceived and conducted character education program may be
an effective means of addressing all of these seemingly disparate goals (Battistich, 2008).
According to Battistich (2008) research suggests that comprehensive, high quality character
education, is not only effective at promoting the development of good character, but is a
promising approach to the prevention of a wide range of contemporary problems. Battistich
(2008) states that these include aggressive and antisocial behaviors, drug use, precocious
sexual activity, criminal activities, academic under-achievement, and school failure.
WHAT IS CHARACTER?
As understood here, character refers to a much broader constellation of attitudes,
behaviors, motivations, and skills (Battistich, 2008). It is more than simply avoiding
involvement in socially undesirable behaviors. Character includes attitudes such as the desire
to do one’s best and being concerned about the welfare of others; intellectual capacities such
as critical thinking and moral reasoning; behaviors such as being honest and responsible, and
standing up for moral principles in the face of injustice; interpersonal and emotional skills
that enable us to interact effectively with others in a variety of circumstances; and the
commitment to contribute to one’s community and society (Battistich, 2008).
2
Character Building
Atang B. Tlhankane 201500857
Sade Gilika 201500341
Kabontle Modukanele 201503006
Codeliah Phuthegelo 201500462
PSY 305
University of Botswana
1
, LITERATURE REVIEW
Scholars such as Battistich (2008) mention that schools and various institutions today face
enormous challenges in educating all of the young people in their charge. In addition to
providing youth with basic academic knowledge and skills, and promoting their character
development, schools have increasingly been called upon to play a primary role in helping to
solve a variety of social problems among youth (Battistich, 2008).
In the past 15 years, a growing body of theory and research in the area of character
education suggests that a well-conceived and conducted character education program may be
an effective means of addressing all of these seemingly disparate goals (Battistich, 2008).
According to Battistich (2008) research suggests that comprehensive, high quality character
education, is not only effective at promoting the development of good character, but is a
promising approach to the prevention of a wide range of contemporary problems. Battistich
(2008) states that these include aggressive and antisocial behaviors, drug use, precocious
sexual activity, criminal activities, academic under-achievement, and school failure.
WHAT IS CHARACTER?
As understood here, character refers to a much broader constellation of attitudes,
behaviors, motivations, and skills (Battistich, 2008). It is more than simply avoiding
involvement in socially undesirable behaviors. Character includes attitudes such as the desire
to do one’s best and being concerned about the welfare of others; intellectual capacities such
as critical thinking and moral reasoning; behaviors such as being honest and responsible, and
standing up for moral principles in the face of injustice; interpersonal and emotional skills
that enable us to interact effectively with others in a variety of circumstances; and the
commitment to contribute to one’s community and society (Battistich, 2008).
2
