Catalog Description: 3 graduate credits from Notre Dame College, Manchester, N.H. $60.00 per credit. This course is an elective. There are no prerequisites. There are no enrollment limitations.

Course Description: Educators will examine methods of implementing character education in classrooms and schools. The course covers philosophy, history, methods, ethics for teachers, policy making, the use of literature, conflict resolution and problem solving.

Educators will examine methods of implementing character education in classrooms and schools.

State what character education is, why it is needed and how it can be taught. Become models for students in the area of character by upholding high ethical standards. Learn strategies for implementing a school-wide character education program. Use literature and a story-based approach to teach character. Use problem-solving strategies and conflict resolution skills for helping children develop character.

Course Structure: Small group work, lecture, presentations, role play.

The Character Development Foundation has an extensive collection of books and periodicals regarding Character Education. These are made available at each workshop.

Wiley, L. (1997). Comprehensive Character-Building Classroom. (Books 1 - 4)

Wiley, L. (1997). Community-building activities: For high school and college classes.

Lickona, T. (1992). Educating for character. New York: Bantam.

Workshops:

A: Plans, Projects, and Activities in Character Education for the Classroom
B: Character Education through Literature and Language Arts
C: Moral Problem Solving in the Classroom
D: Character Development of the Challenging Student
E: Ethical Educator
F: Curriculum and Community Service Learning for Character Education
G. School-wide Policy-making in Character Education

Each workshop is at least five hours long. There are approximately three hours of follow-up for those earning credit.

1. Attend 6 workshops and Follow Up meetings at end of workshops. This is a self-paced course. Workshops are offered throughout the year. Students may take the workshops anytime they wish.
2. Give a presentation on Character Education to school staff and/or parents. This presentation introduces Character Education by explaining what it is, why it is needed, and how it is taught. Write one paragraph summary and reflection on this presentation. (Assignment for Workshop F)
3. Implement one literature unit on Character. (Assignment for Workshop B)
4. Implement problem solving strategies in the classroom. Institute a mediation process and behavior management plan. (Assignment for Workshop C and G)
5. Serve on a school's Character Education committee or help write the school's policy statement for the Minimum standards for schools. (Assignment for Workshop F).
6. Write your own code of ethics. (Assignment for Workshop E).
7. Implement at least 5 character education activities in the classroom. Make a list. (Assignment for Workshop A).
8. Present a summary and results of your work at one Character Education workshop. Summarize what your school's Character Education committee has done, your literature unit, and problem solving strategies you have used in the classroom, as well as any other methods you have incorporated into your teaching. This is a ten to twenty minute oral presentation. (Students may substitute a written paper for the oral presentation.)

When students have done the following, they will earn 3 graduate credits and a grade:

• Completed the registration form
• Made payment to the Character Development Foundation for both the workshops and the credits. (CDF sends the money to NDC).
• Attend all workshops and meetings
• Complete assignments
• Filled out evaluation form

 Other Information:

When you have completed the workshops, presented your own work, and paid the credit registration fee (give the check to CDF), the instructor will send a grade report to Notre Dame College. You should receive your grade report within six weeks. If you do not receive it, contact CDF. We will trace it for you.