WHAT is Character Education?
Character Education is a broad term that describes the education of children in a method that also expands their moral growth. By teaching character education to children, statistics show an increase in participation and overall grades.
WHY Character Education?
Research done on the subject found out that schools that employ character education have fewer incidences of disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and truancy. The positive environment that it brought to schools also increased attendance and has also brought about a significant improvement in academic performance of the students.
Our National Schools of Character (NSOC) tell this story over and over again. In schools of character, students feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them. As a result, they thrive academically and socially and they become motivated to give back to their communities. We see positive results in terms of academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.
Just take a look at these statistics from the 2011 NSOC:
- Average attendance rate: 95%
- Low or declining referrals: 89%
- Students participating in service learning: almost 100%
- Students that report feeling safe: 87%
- Increase in reading and math scores (or over 90% passing): 100%
- Made AYP: 78%
Young people these days get exposed to literally thousands of negative influences through the media and their peers every day.
Music has positive effects on students’ emotions and creativity and it makes the learning process more fun!
Character Education AND Music
Why use music as a way to teach character education?
- It is much easier for children to absorb information that is taught through rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases. It forces students to use several parts of their brain – language, hearing, and rhythmic motor control.
- Music also has positive effects on students’ emotions and creativity – and it makes the learning process much more fun! The lyrics get stuck in students’ heads just like songs from the radio do – so you’ve got phrases such as “Have a positive mindset – decide to give it your very best” running through their minds all day.
- Music makes people of all ages happy. It brings groups of people together and makes them feel more connected to one another. Children enjoy the break from their traditional way of learning.
Sources:
http://character.org/articles/character-education-important-tool-for-meeting-student-needs/
http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/character_education/
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/the-value-of-character-education/
http://www.veanea.org/home/2227.htm
The Effects of Character Education on Student Behavior http://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1863&context=etd