Book Description

The various nations of the world approach character or moral education in different ways. Unlike other nations, England does not have a moral education curriculum. It is through religious education and other courses in the curriculum that a moral life and moral habits are consistently emphasized. In France, education of children in the family is very strict and parents have near absolute authority. The internalization of virtues and regulations is emphasized through French civic education and in the 3rd year of high school, a course in “philosophy” is compulsory. In the case of Germany, character education is taught as “religion,” a separate course that is part of the regular curriculum. “Ethics” is also recognized as an alternative course. Canada, a nation with a vast territory and beautiful nature, implements various social education programs that promote the healthy enjoyment of hobbies and that also act as character education. In the cases of Scotland and Finland, a regular course titled “Ethics” is used for character education and this course in ethics is given greater weight than courses in grammar, English or mathematics.