Ethics in School Curricula
Each of us needs a strong ethical foundation that is reinforced
as we go through life. And here - we believe - School Education
has to play a key role.
All schools - and especially primary schools - should take
a lead role by integrating the teaching of ethics throughout
the curricula. Newly minted students should be both academically
proficient and ethically centered.
Most Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian countries recognize this,
and the concept of ethics is being actively instilled in society.
Schools, right from kindergarten, have taken a lead role by
integrating the discussion of ethics throughout their curricula
of study.
Character Traits to Defend
and Promote
Historically, the school has had as a central purpose
the task of instilling virtue and proper conduct, as well
as instructing students in academic fields. We believe that
schools must - once again - undertake an affirmative and systematic
approach to improve student development by promoting selected
character traits such as: Citizenship; Integrity and Honesty;
Courtesy; Respect for Authority; Respect for Others, Property
and the Environment; Compassion; Self-discipline and Responsibility;
Work Ethic; Appreciation for Education; Patience, Courage
and Cooperation.
In day-to-day contact with students, school personnel frequently
encounter "teachable moments" which relate to honesty,
reliability, cooperation, acceptance of responsibility and
respect for authority. If these teachable moments are used
systematically to reinforce the desirable character traits,
students will experience both a school and a community which
stress the importance of certain character traits. At the
same time, peer expectations of desired character traits will
also grow in strength and depth.
We also believe that satisfactory academic standing should
then - at all levels, from kindergarten to university - be
determined both by performance in formal courses and by other
aspects of academic performance, such as academic ethics,
honesty, integrity and reliability.
Students whose performance is academically unethical should
be subject to dismissal even though they might be in good
academic standing.
Of Additional Interest:
Character Education Program
Using an affirmative and systematic approach to promote certain
selected character traits ...
|
