Customer Reviews

Building Character in Schools: Practical Ways to Bring Moral Instruction to Life

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a wonderful, easy-to-read book about character education. It provides coherent, *non-religious* arguments in favor of character education, and then provides some practical guidelines and resources for implementation. In the wake of Columbine, how can anybody question the need for character education, particularly in the public schools?

This book discusses the shift in American education from "values-neutral" and "strictly content" education toward a different and necessary ideal: educating youngsters to live a "good life." (This is the goal that movie watchers saw in the final scene of "Saving Pvt. Ryan," where the older Ryan asks his wife and children, "Did I lead a good life?") Both authors are from the Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character at Boston University. They write primarily for educators and have teachers in mind. They promote the idea that education is in "its fullest sense is inescapably a moral enterprise" (p. 190).

I found the book to be well writeen and filled with many good examples. I particularly liked the Appendices (76 pages), filled with good advice. Ryan and Bohlin also discuss how character education is different from "values clarification" and "teaching a viewpoint." In character education, students discover the importance of (or lack of) virtues; that there are multiple answers to moral questions; that characters in literature and history "grow into" their moral positions, and that character education wishes to inculcate the importance of "knowing good, seeing good, and doing good."

This is the coming age in U.S. education. This book along with some others (William Damon, The Moral Child; Bringing in a New Era in Character Education; Thomas Lickona, Educating for Character) will provide a good theoretical background. Ryan and Bohlin warn us away from pre-packaged character education activities, and, as a result, I am not quite sure where to go from here (which is why I took off one star).

I hope you enjoy the book.

Few are the resources that leave parents and teachers both inspired and eager to continue in their task as educators. Engaging, practical and easy to read, 'Building Character in Schools' provides an uplifting view on how our children and young can become the great persons that they can be. A must read for anyone who cares about the young and our future society.

Timely and on target, Building Character in Schools reads quickly and provides practical insights for today's educators and parents as they struggle to help children develop integral personalities. It is a must read for teachers who see their students as the future of our society, who need to develop habits and a vision that empower them to become honest, upright and noble citizens.

Who in the world doesn't want kids in school to learn the basics of moral deliberation and elements of solid character?? But even on the face of it, to label the values of other people of good will in society, when they want them taught, as merely "Stalinist" is hardly indicative of a person who might be a reasonable guide to the whole matter. That is what Kevin Ryan has done, and it should raise questions at the very least about his own goodwill if not more.

This was a well written book on the subject of character education, providing encouragement and guidance for teachers and school administrators on this subject. It does so in a non-religious context, giving arguments and persuasion through a number of different angles. I would encourage all teachers and school administrators to obtain and digest this book or similar works, in order to be better able, in a professional and ethical manner, in harmony with the scope of a public, private or charter school, to help students to develop moral fiber and good character. This is as much a part of education as is learning Algebra and Geometry, U.S. History or Biology.

The media in the form of television and most movies is teaching the opposite lessons that is the goal of character education. TV programs such as South Park, Family Guy, Gossip Girls and cable TV's Jersey Shore are anti-values education. It is of importance, then, for teachers to be aware of the need for positive values and character education. This might have some neutralizing effect and work to the long-term benefit of the students.

This excellent book shows teachers and school officials how to create a character-building educational program and make it work.