Exclusive Interview with Prof Marvin W. Berkowitz

Summary

Marvin Burkwitz, a professor at the University of Missouri, discusses the importance of character education in shaping children's moral and ethical development. He emphasizes that character education should be integrated into every aspect of school life, not just academics, and that it relies heavily on the principal's leadership. Burkwitz highlights the interplay between cognitive, affective, and skill-based elements of character, advocating for a holistic approach that nurtures relationships and belonging within the school community. Ultimately, he believes that teachers must reflect on their own character to effectively influence their students' growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Character education is essential for nurturing children's goodness and helping them flourish.
• 🎓 Every adult interacting with children influences their character development, intentionally or unintentionally.
• 🏫 Character education must permeate every aspect of the school environment, from classrooms to hallways.
• 👩‍🏫 School leaders, particularly principals, must master character education to effectively guide their staff and students.
• 📈 There is a positive correlation between effective character education and academic achievement; they are not competing priorities.
• 💡 The 'head, heart, and hands' model emphasizes the cognitive, emotional, and practical aspects of character development.
• ❤️ Building strong relationships with adults in the school is crucial for fostering emotional connections and belonging.
• 🔍 Educators need to reflect on their own identities and practices to enhance their impact on students.
• 🌱 Character education is a continuous process that requires consistency and integration throughout the school culture.
• 🤝 Authenticity and embodiment of character by school staff are vital for modeling character for students.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of character education according to Marvin Burkwitz?

Character education is centered around nurturing the flourishing of human goodness and helping children become agents of good in the world.

How does character education influence academic achievement?

Good character education can actually increase academic achievement, demonstrating that character development and academics are not competing forces.

What are the three components of character as described by Burkwitz?

The three components of character are the cognitive piece (head), the affective piece (heart), and the action piece (hands).

Why is it important for school leaders to be proficient in character education?

School leaders, such as principals, must master character education to integrate it effectively throughout the school environment, influencing both academic lessons and faculty culture.

What role do relationships play in character education?

Relationships with adults in the school foster a sense of belonging and authenticity, which are crucial for developing the heart of character.

How should teachers approach their own character development in relation to students?

Teachers should reflect on their own identities and practices, asking themselves how they can improve to positively influence their students' character.

What does Burkwitz mean by saying character education permeates 'every fiber of a school'?

Character education must be integrated into all aspects of school life, affecting not just academic lessons but also interactions in hallways and the overall faculty culture.

What challenges do schools face in teaching character alongside academics?

Schools are typically adept at cognitive teaching but need to develop methods for addressing the affective and skill-based aspects of character education.

In what way can character education be described as a 'way of being'?

Character education is fundamentally about embodying character traits in daily interactions and modeling good behavior for students, rather than merely a set of lessons.

What does Burkwitz suggest about the intentionality behind character education?

He emphasizes the importance of intentional and positive efforts by adults around children to influence their character development.