Question & Answer: Building Character: Character Development Using Drama

1. How can character development be used in an integrated teaching model with drama as the mode of delivery?

Character development is an important aspect in the growth of every human being because it is highly influential in shaping an individual’s attitude right from a young age. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that it determines how successful a person will be in life, in terms of the ability to interact with others and to sustain productive relationships in the community. As a result, conforming to observations advanced by Bauer, it is imperative to understand how to inculcate desirable character attributes in individuals

In light of this, it can be used in an integrated teaching model using drama as the delivery mode, and this can be attained in the context of making plays that: promote a positive school culture by defining the acceptable school and community values to students; portray the acceptable ways to solve problems and improve interpersonal relationships, promote caring relationships, show the importance of self-discipline and self-control and; embrace the desirability of good academic achievement.

2. Considering the challenges teachers face as their students grow older and less receptive to character development, how can intermediate teachers approach character development in ways that appeal to older students?

The major reason that causes students to seemingly discard the importance of character development is that as they grow older, they encounter a host of problems and especially those that concern their personal development as human beings that cause them to flounder as they seek how to grow out of their problems. As a result, the most important aspect that intermediate teachers can approach character development in ways that would persuade older students is by formulating interactive tactics that would aid in exploring the desirable approaches for change that principally resolve the root causes of problems instead of reprimanding the older students for their mistakes (Alberta Education, 3).

3. Anti-bullying programs and character development go hand-in-hand. What dramatic techniques can teachers use to engage intermediate students in the dialogue?
             One of the best ways that teachers can engage intermediate students in the dialogue on bullying is by organizing participative forums with the students, where they invite the students and talking to them about their personal experiences with bullying. As advanced by Giguère, if the teachers are able to tell the students they suffering they have undergone through bullying, the students will understand that this is not a problem that is only confined to them, and it will allow them to also open up about their experiences.

Additionally, they can invite bullied celebrities to talk about their experiences as well, which will further inculcate the development of empathy in the students for bullied victims and also allow them to develop tolerance and respect for others, both at school and at home.

4. Why is it important to have layers (classroom, school, home, community) of anti-bullying education?

According to Guidance Program and Services Development (1), Ontario students are not only expected to get out of their learning institutions with merely an ability to read and write, but to also understand and practice the important aspects of character development. Moreover, it asserts that character development is the core responsibility of the community, families and parents. As such, it is highly important to have layers of anti-bullying education is that what the schools and classrooms fail to cover about the subject may be done at home and at the community level. Further, strategies may be made once in a while for all these important agencies to meet in forums and engage in participative dialogue to unite their knowledge on this subject and develop lasting solutions that will aid in character development and eradicating the vice.

Works Cited

Alberta Education.  The heart of the matter : character and citizenship education in Alberta schools.2005.

Bauer, Gabrielle. In Character. 2009. Accessed on 6^th June, 2019 from https://professionallyspeaking.oct.ca/december_2009/features/character.asp

Giguère, Denys. To Stop Bullying: A community Affair. 2003. Accessed on 6^th June, 2019 from https://professionallyspeaking.oct.ca/june_2003/bully.asp

Guidance Program and Services Development. FINDING COMMON GROUND: Character Development in Ontario Schools, K–12 (Summary). 2019.  Accessed on 6^th June, 2019 from https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/kennedy/docs/FINDING_COMMON_GROUND.pdf