Character Education: An Elusive Concept—A Child's Journey

• In Event: Roundtable Session 48
  In Roundtable Session: Concpetual Issues for Moral Development and Moral Education

Abstract

This paper focuses upon an evaluative mixed-methods (but largely qualitative) case study of an intervention that focused upon enabling children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties to develop insight into their value and belief systems through the development of intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences (Gardner). In particular, the paper focuses upon one specific case study and the degree to which, post-intervention, there was evidence to support the development of attributes which would be associated with character development. The paper clearly demonstrates a wide range of positive outcomes, such as empathy. Whilst acknowledging the controversy surrounding character education, the paper argues that what ultimately counts is successful outcomes for children and young people.

Author

• Joan Gaynor Mowat, University of Strathclyde