This article contains key takeaways from “Excellent Character, Excellent Schools: The Character Solution”, a character formation conference hosted by Xepto Education and facilitated by Dr. Michele Borba
Our educational landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Gone are the days of chalkboard lectures and standardized tests as the sole measures of success. Today, education is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are both academically proficient and equipped with the character traits needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Dr. Michele Borba, an esteemed educator, shared invaluable insights in her course “Excellent Character, Excellent Schools: The Character Solution.”
Takeaway #1: The Seven Pillars of Character
Picture this: students who excel in their studies and possess essential life skills. Dr. Borba introduced seven character traits that serve as the building blocks for personal growth and success:
- Confidence empowers students to believe in themselves and face challenges with determination. It’s the first step towards achieving their goals.
- Empathy fosters understanding and compassion, allowing students to connect with others on a deeper level. It’s the cornerstone of meaningful relationships.
- Self-control equips students to manage their impulses and navigate stressful situations with poise. It’s a vital skill for personal and professional growth.
- Integrity guides students to make ethical choices and uphold strong moral values. It’s the compass that steers them in the right direction.
- Open-mindedness encourages critical thinking and exploration. It enables students to consider diverse perspectives and broaden their horizons.
- Perseverance instills the value of resilience and not giving up when faced with adversity. It’s the driving force behind overcoming obstacles.
- Optimism instills a hopeful attitude in a world that can sometimes feel gloomy. It’s the spark that keeps students motivated in challenging times.
These traits aren’t just lofty ideals but practical skills students can develop to navigate life’s complexities. They form the foundation for meaningful relationships, resilience in the face of challenges, and a hopeful outlook.
Takeaway #2: Character Education Knows No Age Limits
Character education isn’t reserved for a specific age group. Whether you’re working with preschoolers or high school seniors, character development can seamlessly integrate into their educational journey. It’s about creating an environment that fosters these character traits, regardless of age.
Takeaway #3: Defining Your School’s Character
Dr. Borba emphasized the importance of having a school’s character touchstone, a guiding principle that aligns with the school’s values. This touchstone becomes the North Star for character development within your institution. It’s about shaping a school culture that embodies character education.
Takeaway #4: Creating a Strong School Culture
Once you’ve identified your school’s character touchstone, it’s time to weave it into the fabric of your institution. It should be a daily presence, from morning assemblies to classroom discussions. This consistent exposure reinforces the importance of character development in education.
Imagine character traits like empathy, integrity, and self-control not being abstract concepts but practical and essential parts of daily life in your school. It’s about making character tangible in every aspect of school life, from classroom activities to interactions in the hallway.
Implementing Character Education with Xepto Education
Xepto Academy, the learning arm of education technology company Xepto Education, offers courses that dive deep into character building, aligning with Dr. Borba’s vision in “Excellent Character, Excellent Schools, The Character Solution.” These courses provide educators with the expertise and resources needed to effectively integrate character education into their classrooms. Moreover, these courses are accredited for Continuous Professional Development, so you can earn your CPD points online and hassle-free.
How to Create a Kind and Caring Classroom
Course by: Emmanuel M. Rentoy, Executive Director, Center for the 4th & 5th Rs Asia
Don’t just reject bullying, replace it with kindness and a caring culture. Follow strategies and systems from highly successful schools in the world to create this culture in your classroom and in your school. This course will help teachers gain a sense of mission and that teaching is not just hard work, it’s heart work! Learn more.
Classroom Management: Once and For All, You Can Solve That Discipline Problem
Course by: Emmanuel M. Rentoy, Executive Director, Center for the 4th & 5th Rs Asia
This course will equip you with tried-and-tested strategies — mostly from First Days of School best-selling author Dr. Harry K. Wong — on how to effectively manage a class. The goal is for the teacher to not resort to yelling, a major obstacle for teachers to effectively execute character formation inside the classroom. Learn more.
In a world where character matters more than ever, Xepto Education is your partner in shaping well-rounded individuals. Join us in shaping a generation of students who excel academically and possess the character to thrive in life’s challenges. For more CPD and character courses, go to Xepto Academy.
If you would like to discuss education technology solutions such as the Xepto Learning Management System, send us a message at hello@xeptoeducation.com.
