Character and citizenship education's place in our landscape

The emotional, social and spiritual(relation with something greater than yourself) dimensions are often not as strongly emphasized in Singapore, even tough we have some very good programs. It is particularly critical in an environment where both parents are working, and there is little interaction time between parent (or other caregivers) and child. Their maturity in these areas are a little behind. What is pertinent for us to note that some studies in USA have shown that focus on SEL has a direct correlation with improvement in academic grades of between 11 to 17%, based on a study of more than 900 schools. This is significant. Often those with little guidance have a low adversity quotient and tend to manifest their coping mechanisms in very negative behavior. Three foundational principles that our teaching needs to get across are:
1. Everyone experiences adversity
2. Everyone experiences multiple influences
3. Humans have free will - the internal locus of behavior lies with us as we choose our behavior
4. Every choice has a consequence

I particularly like the behavior car metaphor with the analogy of all of us traveling on the road of life and that we are constantly faced with choices. Roads can be rough, there may be inclement weather, there may be engine trouble or flat tires - these situations are opportunities for us to exercise choice. There may also be external influences such as other drivers on the roadnthat impact our choice, back seat drivers that can be an irritation - Good drivers however, wil be able to control their vehicles despite rough conditions - external Influences to these drivers are not limitations, as they act and think in a manner that is in their best interest.

Total behavior concept involves 4 elements: Acting, thinking, feelings and physiology. Acting and thinking are akin to the front wheels of a car that determine the direction we take. We must regulate our emotions by thinking about our feelings so that we act in an appropriate way.

We need to infuse some ofnthese ideas in our CCAs but also weave these in to our academic lessons where possible to teach students' life lessons. In particular the humanities and languages along with ethical issues of science are ideal for several analogies to be shared and explored. We must see the process as just important as the product when teaching. Our school children do need a lot of guidance to manage their raging emotions to help build stability in their lives...we must not take these for granted and avoid labeling children as they come with different influences and will need a safe and nurturing environment to help guide them out of the turmoil they are in.

Teachers need time to plan and teach effectively. They are also being evaluated For several other competencies. Are we e expecting too much of teachers and how then do we reconcile the work to be done such teachers have enough time to think, rest, eat, reflect and enrich the lives of all the stakeholders of school...

Aziz