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"This class has been my inspiration – a shot in the arm that I needed – to have a deeper commitment to helping students know the good, love the good, and do the good."
~Kathy, Sioux City
"This class has been extremely beneficial for me in many different capacities.
The materials, assignments and discussions have allowed me to reflect on the various roles that I assume. This reflection has allowed me to better understand that demonstrating and teaching the importance of character will enhance our society in so many positive areas."
~Emily, Iowa City
~Kathy, Sioux City
"This class has been extremely beneficial for me in many different capacities.
The materials, assignments and discussions have allowed me to reflect on the various roles that I assume. This reflection has allowed me to better understand that demonstrating and teaching the importance of character will enhance our society in so many positive areas."
~Emily, Iowa City
Make your classroom a classroom of character! Learn strategies that integrate good character into all aspects of your students’ day, support 21st Century Skills and improve students’ educational, behavioral and life-long success. In this 3 credit hour course we begin by investigating what good character is, why it is important, and how the components of effective school-wide character programs translate into creating classrooms of virtue. Next, we will look at ways to integrate the positive character trait of a shared moral heritage into the curriculum. Finally, we will look at the roles parent & teachers play in developing students of character and factors that can help students take command of their moral development.
Organization
The course is organized into 6 Module and is presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules. The length of time each Module should take to complete varies from approximately 20 to 30 hrs. Lessons will be taught and course goals will be met using a combination of readings, videos, external resources, examples, discussion forums, activities, assignment, and enrichment materials.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of teaching good character on improving academic achievement and promoting
21st Century Skills through investigation of character research and programs
2. Understand the role of educators as character role models
3. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies that create a classroom culture of positive character through the creation of a
Touchstone.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies that create a classroom culture of positive character by implementing strategies
that reflect a common moral heritage.
5. Demonstrate an ability to integrate good character traits into the curriculum
Course Topics
Module 1: What is Character & Why is it Important?
Module 2: Building a Community of Virtue
Module 3: Integrating Character into the Curriculum-Part 1: Moral Heritage & Heroes
Module 4: Integrating Character into the Curriculum-Part 2: Moral Dilemmas & Service Learning
Module 5: The Role of Parents & Teachers
Module 6: Helping Students Take Command
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to participate in all discussion forums and to complete all assignments and/or activities. A=90%-100%; B=80%-89%-Because this is a graduate level course, scores must be 80% or better to receive credit.
Required Text: Building Character in Schools: Practical Ways to Bring Moral Instruction to Life (2003) by Kevin Ryan & Karen Bohlin can be purchased through bookstores and online.
Organization
The course is organized into 6 Module and is presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules. The length of time each Module should take to complete varies from approximately 20 to 30 hrs. Lessons will be taught and course goals will be met using a combination of readings, videos, external resources, examples, discussion forums, activities, assignment, and enrichment materials.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of teaching good character on improving academic achievement and promoting
21st Century Skills through investigation of character research and programs
2. Understand the role of educators as character role models
3. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies that create a classroom culture of positive character through the creation of a
Touchstone.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies that create a classroom culture of positive character by implementing strategies
that reflect a common moral heritage.
5. Demonstrate an ability to integrate good character traits into the curriculum
Course Topics
Module 1: What is Character & Why is it Important?
Module 2: Building a Community of Virtue
Module 3: Integrating Character into the Curriculum-Part 1: Moral Heritage & Heroes
Module 4: Integrating Character into the Curriculum-Part 2: Moral Dilemmas & Service Learning
Module 5: The Role of Parents & Teachers
Module 6: Helping Students Take Command
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to participate in all discussion forums and to complete all assignments and/or activities. A=90%-100%; B=80%-89%-Because this is a graduate level course, scores must be 80% or better to receive credit.
Required Text: Building Character in Schools: Practical Ways to Bring Moral Instruction to Life (2003) by Kevin Ryan & Karen Bohlin can be purchased through bookstores and online.