The ‘character quotient’ defines attitude
Any veteran educator will tell you that before learning reading, writing and other academic subjects, students must have key social skills in place. What will the veteran educator say on teaching character?
Recently, Peter Dalglish, senior urban advisor to the World Health Organization for Liberia, presented a keynote address to a large group of international high school students at Concordia, challenging them to invest their lives in shaping our rapidly changing world.
Most of these teens had entered life tracking toward high profile, high-paying careers. He asked: “Which of you here today will be our future world-changers?” While a likely few from that crowd will eventually make a global impact, everyone was challenged to make a difference, no matter how local their reach of influence.
As educators, we were trained to provide sound academic instruction in school settings. Once in the classroom we quickly learned the importance of also creating a positive learning environment. Education went beyond a mere transfer of information. We needed to take into account the whole child. Over 20 years ago, Daniel Goleman asserted that emotional intelligence can be taught, and that it holds the same importance as IQ for success in academic, professional, social, and interpersonal aspects of life. In a relatively short time, educators became as familiar with EQ as with IQ, and schools embraced and embedded social learning in the curriculum.
What then, is character? If IQ reflects intellect and EQ measures self and social awareness, “character quotient” defines the underlying attitudes, beliefs and commitments that shape behavior. This learning begins early in life as modeled by parents and other caregivers. But can it be taught formally? How are these attributes understood across a range of cultures? Most international schools today embrace such values as responsibility, respect, honesty and kindness as fundamental. Educators can have a great influence on character development, particularly in how they model integrity in day-to-day work and relationships. A culture and practice of mutual respect, responsibility and concern for others builds the strongest foundation for a safe and nurturing learning environment.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson noted: “Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as to think.”
And this insight from business magnate, investor and philanthropist, Warren Buffet: “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”