The Importance of Character in Students

A person with good character typically has a positive demeanor that draws others to them. Character is a term used to define a person’s distinguishing qualities, such as kindness or sincerity. Someone with good character is known to be a bright light to those around them, making everyone want to be their friend or listen to what they have to say. They are also very well-respected in their environment or given field.

Because it is founded on belief, a person might grow an admirable character attribute. A child’s character is greatly influenced by the values, ideas, and moral concepts instilled in them during their early years. The connections we have with our parents, grandparents, friends, and teachers all serve as examples of these principles. It’s also important to note that going through difficult circumstances as a child has a big impact on how someone develops as a person. Therefore, while identifying someone’s personality is simple, understanding their character requires repeated interactions.

Importance of character in education

While academics are known to be more knowledge-focused, there are also other things that factor in when it comes to students. Character traits such as intelligence are important aspect that relates greatly to knowledge. Though you can be knowledgeable, you need to hone your intelligence as a character trait. Honesty is also one aspect that students need to succeed. Both of these qualities are beneficial for developing a well-rounded, educated individual.

As parents, we send our kids to school so they can learn about a variety of disciplines, including Math, Science, and English. But academics aren’t the only thing students need to learn if they want to achieve things in the real world. Their moral character gives them the necessary tools to benefit them beyond what they learn in school. Think of it as a way to reinforce their knowledge and academic skills to make sure they use the best of their abilities in the most effective way possible.

Being of good character helps people become ethical and responsible since it teaches them the virtues necessary for peaceful coexistence. They should be aware that even though it’s a competitive world out there, they shouldn’t act maliciously toward others in order to gain the upper hand. Among the fundamental characteristics a child can learn via character education are diligence and responsibility, which are some of the characteristics that also help them develop socially, mentally, and emotionally.

However, character development for students is not just the responsibility of parents. This role must be actively played by the community and school as well. Additionally, developing character makes it easier for students to get along with their classmates and teachers, which improves the learning environment in the classroom.

The impact of good character after finishing school

Students are given a lot of options when they graduate from school. They might decide to obtain a degree or look into interning at well-known, cutting-edge businesses that are viewed as inspiring and vibrant. Young people choose to work for organizations that align with their objectives since the world is changing. At the same time, prominent and forward-thinking businesses want candidates who share their values.

A person’s intellectual capacity is only one factor that enterprising firms consider. Modern businesses in every sector hire people with a lot of drive, initiative, and the will to succeed. While businesses from before look into one’s educational background like which school they have attended and graduated from, their grades, and the such, in a more modern take, they also factor in a person’s capability to be a part of the business itself.

They have started looking for people with the capacity to become team players who put the company and its interest first and those who have the drive and work smart. They also consider people who thrive in different environments and adapt well to changes while still contributing to making a difference for the company. Businesses also look for hires who set the bar up there for themselves, those with a positive attitude, and a get-go personality. In short, employers now consider an employee’s character as much as they do their credentials and background.

How can parents and educators help build a student’s character?

1. Be a model

Children, before they even step into school, learn already especially from their parents. The most common way for them to learn is through imitation. As the adults they see most when they begin to wonder and explore the world, they look to their parents to be the people to guide them. In turn, they also follow what their parents do or what they say. Parents with strong morals transmit such ideals to their kids. They serve as role models for the behaviors and decisions that are essential to developing healthy character.

If you are respectful, empathetic, dependable, and honest, your children will see your positive deeds. Empathy-centered communication between a parent and child makes it simpler to teach the other virtues to them. So, the most basic step starts with you, their parents.

2. Encourage and instill respect

Respect should be the cornerstone on which teachers build their classrooms. All positive character traits are built on the foundation of respect for others and for oneself. You should not put up with any abuse or hostility as a teacher. You should make it a point to teach young students the importance of treating others with the dignity and respect they deserve. Teachers can also encourage students to participate in causes such as anti-bullying campaigns.

3. Teach students to recognize the consequences of their actions

When your child makes a terrible choice, do you assist them in understanding why they did it? Sometimes, parents immediately start scolding their children for the mistakes that they have made. In some cases, the child may not be aware of why they are being scolded. They may not understand that their actions have negative consequences. If parents instantly scold their child for any mistakes they have made without explaining why it’s a mistake, the child may not learn at all. Children will be better able to make the appropriate decision if they are allowed to experience the natural results of their actions.

We should help our children understand their mistakes, and what could be the consequences of doing them. Help them understand that it will not only affect them but also the people around them. As parents and educators, you are the best people to teach them that there will be consequences for their wrong actions.

4. Discipline them accordingly

At the moment, punishment has a negative reputation. Many are against it as it is seen as outdated and may have negative results. As an effect, there are now out-of-control, spoiled kids and parents who feel guilty. Although they occasionally disobey them, children require boundaries. Humans have learned most often through justifiable punishment. There are ways for parents to discipline their children when they break the rules set for them without it reinforcing negative responses from them.

5. Encourage self-discipline

Despite their emotions, a disciplined child will make wise decisions. These children have learned how to control their anger, so they can handle challenging circumstances. They also have control over compulsive behavior. When an adult corrects a well-behaved child, they own their error. They learn that they can do something to rectify their mistakes by owning up to them and making changes to be better. This bodes well as well when children grow up and step into the adult world. They have to learn early on to be able to take criticisms and corrections graciously.

Conclusion

Character is based on behavior and moral reasoning, whereas intelligence is more concerned with judgment and moral reasoning. However, intelligence alone does not provide one with the morality required in any society. On the other hand, someone can achieve sufficient success over time if they have strong character and intelligence. A culture that places a higher value on intelligence than character will be home to many liars and cheaters who are successful through dishonest methods. Since character is more important than intelligence, let’s teach our children the value of developing excellent character from an early age.

Carelle

Carelle

Carelle is a teacher who has been through the ups and downs of the teacher and learner life. She wishes for every learner to gain educational satisfaction that will help embody the people they want to be in the future.

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