Importance of Language and Character Education

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Douglas Obura, M.S.i
https://twitter.com/DouglasEduczone
THE CONTRIBUTION OF LANGUAGE
TO CHARACTER EDUCATION
An International Conference to Commemorate the 45th
Anniversary of Veteran Bangun Nusantara University, Sukoharjo-
Indonesia
April 30, 2013

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF
LANGUAGE
CHARACTER
EDUCATION
TO
Educators & Students could have asked the following questions
2) What is the relationship between Language and Character Education?
4) Is it important to have moral ethics than being intelligent (academically
smart)
1) Can we embrace Character Education in schools?
3) Is it possible to attain „Moral Values‟ as a result of Language and
Character Education?

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There is a linking & intertwining relationship between language and
character education, which has been into existence for a very long
time.
The study of language enables a student to develop mentally,
psychologically, socially & emotionally from their mentors, e.g.,
teachers, counselors & with their peers students
Michael, Violet and Deborah, (2009),
Suggests that Character education, variously known as values
education, moral education, transmission of cultural values, and
socialization is regarded to have been around for centuries.
They also cited Farris‟s (2001) reoprt which states that historically,
many leaders such as Aristotle, Quintilian, Muhammad, Martin
Luther, Johann Herbart, Horace Mann and John Dewey have
advocated for character education in schools.

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Marvin and Melinda, (2005), cited Character Education Partnership
which states that, character education is a national movement creating
schools that foster ethical, responsible, and caring young people by
modeling and teaching good character through emphasis on universal
values that we all share.
That is teaching students about basic human values, including honesty,
kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality, and respect.
Good character that will drive a student‟s behaviours in a well
motivated and acceptable way
1) Showing up for lectures from the beginning till the end of the semester
2) Being on time for all school‟s, college or university programs
3) Honouring & following lecturers‟ instructions & directions at all time
4) Ensuring that academic tasks are finished on time
5) Building a team spirit and a common sense of getting along with others.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANGUAGE
AND CULTURE
Aubrey‟s (September 2008) article on published on EFL.net
He suggests that the relationship between language and culture amidst
character up building, requires that a teacher must instruct their
students on the cultural background of language usage.
If one teaches language without teaching about the culture in which it
operates, the students are learning empty or meaningless symbols or they
may attach the incorrect meaning to what is being taught
On the Contrary
He cites that because language is so closely entwined with
culture, language teachers entering a different culture must
respect their cultural values

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PRACTICAL GRASSROOT EXAMPLE: (Mr. X, a
foreigner in Indonesia)
Mr. XMr. X

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The knowledge of linguistic puts forward the concept of
learning a language and a specific culture of that respective
language, for easier communication which includes;
1) Proper tone in the speaker‟s voice & intonations applied
7) Proper and polite disagreeing techniques
6) Proper probing techniques
5) Proper idioms to be used
4) Proper non-verbal cues
3) Proper gestures to be used
2) Proper synonyms to be used

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WHY LANGUAGE TEACHING & CHARACTER
EDUCATION IN TODAY‟S WORLD
Willinger (2009),
Proposes & the goal of character education is to raise emotionally
balanced, socially compassionate, and caring individuals with a solid
value system
1) Youth are exposed to the consumption of unappropriate, divastating and
uncontrolled internet products or general information
2) Youth are tortured with many negative influences through the media and
other external sources that finds their ways to children/students in today‟s
culture
3) Uncontrolled peer pressure from friends through their home
environment, schools and social media.

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THE ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION OF LANGUAGE
Communication is ONLY completed between the sender & the
receiver, due to a common language that the two does share
Breaking communication
barriers
Build individual
character,
1) Acquire knowledge and understanding of society, appreciation of their
culture including languages, traditions, songs, ceremonies, customs, social
norms and a sense of citizenship
2) Acquire a good knowledge and practice of moral standards and health
practices that will prepare them for responsible family and community life.
3) Develop desirable attitudes or behavioral patterns in interacting with the
environment in a manner that is protective, preserving and nurturing

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OBJECTIVES OF CHARACTER EDUCATION FOR
STUDENTS AND VALUES
1) To develop a student‟s Knowledge and understanding of basic moral
& behaviour ideology within different affiliations, e.g., religions,
schools, universities, etc
2) To develop a student‟s right attitudes, desires and purposes, that is, where
a student develops a feeling of obligation to render any possible services to
other individuals as well as to social groups
3) To develop a student‟s attitude of appreciation & gratitude toward
others for benefits received

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EDUCATOR'S ROLE IN CHARACTER EDUCATION FOR
AN ATTAINMENT OF POSITIVE LEARNING
1) Effective introduction of topics
5) Ask questions to stimulate group members to explore other points of
view.
4) Try to prevent any one member of the group from dominating the
discussion.
3) Try to include every member of the group in the discussion
2) Don't indicate any persons bias ideology concerning the topic
under discussion

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Cont‟n
6) At the conclusion of the discussion, review the various points of view
contributed by group members.
8) Encourage students to explore a variety of problem-solving
techniques as alternatives to antisocial behavior.
7) Assist students in understanding more clearly the benefits of making
informed and responsible choices

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PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE CHARACTER EDUCATION
Character Education Partnership CEP‟s (2010),
Framework for School Success
11 Principles for schools responsible for youth character development
5) The school provides students with opportunities for moral action.
1) The school community promotes core ethical and performance values as
the foundation of good character.
2) The school defines “character” comprehensively to include thinking,
feeling, and doing.
3) The school uses a comprehensive, intentional, and proactive approach
to character development.
4) The school creates a caring community.

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11) The school regularly assesses its culture and climate, the
functioning of its staff as character educators, and the extent to which
its students manifest good character.
6) The school offers a meaningful challenging academic curriculum that
respects all learners, develops their character & helps them to succeed.
7) The school fosters students‟ self-motivation.
8) The school staff is an ethical learning community that shares
responsibility for character education and adheres to the same core
values that guide the students.
9) The school fosters shared leadership and long-range support of the
character education initiative.
10) The school engages families and community members as partners in
the character-building effort.

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ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING
CHARACTER EDUCATION
1) The institutional principal
2) The teachers
3) Academic Curriculum
4) Discipline and Guidance
5) Methods of teaching
6) Students‟Activities
7) School Environment, such as; classrooms, structural organization and
management,

Importance of Language and Character Education

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