Excerpted from The International Journal of Educational Research, What Works in Values Education by Marvin W. Berkowitz.
Abstract
Values education (alternatively, moral education, character education) is an attempt, within schools, to craft pedagogies and supportive structures to foster the development of positive, ethical, pro-social inclinations and competencies in youth, including around strengthening their academic focus and achievement. Recent research has uncovered evidence of effective practices that apply broadly to schools at different levels and varied contents. Reviews of the empirical research have allowed for the identification of effective practices, including interactional practices, professional development, parental involvement, role modeling, and service opportunities. This article reviews the existing research and presents such a set of research-based effective practices. Copyright 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Research supported character education implementation strategies:
Peer interactive strategies
Cooperative learning
Moral dilemma discussion
Service to others
Developmental discipline
Role-modeling and mentoring
Nurturance
Trust and trustworthiness
High expectations
School-wide character focus
Family/community involvement
Pedagogy of empowerment
Teaching about character
Teaching social-emotional competencies
Induction
Professional development
For a thorough discussion of each of these strategies, please see the full paper in Volume 50, Issue 3, 2011, at The International Journal of Education Research.