Whither Goes Character Education? Objectives, Pedagogy, and Research in Education Programs

Abstract

Following a brief history of moral education in the twentieth century, ten representative contemporary character education programs are reviewed. Similarities and differences between the programs are noted with regard to their objectives, pedagogy, and research. It is concluded that while these programs are highly diverse with regard to theoretical assumptions and pedagogical practice, emerging research in the field offers the hopeful promise that, theory and practice may be advanced in a systematic manner.