The Influence of Civics and Ethical Education on the Development of Students’ Character: In Private Secondary Schools of Bole Sub- City
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Date
2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of CEE on the development of students’ character. The study was carried out in three purposively selected private secondary schools in Bole sub-city of Addis Ababa. To this end, mixed research methods were used for data analysis while descriptive study was the backbone for multiple types instruments used for data collection. Both primary and secondary data were employed as data sources. Primary data were obtained by using questionnaires, interview, FGD and observation methods of data collection. The subjects participated in the questionnaires were about 41 teachers/officials and 155 students. By relying on spot available sampling technique 3 school directors/vice directors & unit leaders participated in the interview held to this study. Two to five numbers of high achiever and class monitor students were selected purposively to participate in the FGD, About 6 CEE teachers and home room teachers and only 1 private school owner also took part in the interview. In- and- out of the classroom observation was another primary data obtaining instrument employed in the study.
Document reviewing on the contents of grade ninth and tenth CEE textbooks were made to see the existence of contents that are related to moral and ethical values. Document analysis was also made on attendance sheets, three terms exam records, and black list which disciplinary problems of students’ written in.
The analysis of data showed that respondents believed in the role of CEE in influencing the students’ character development but they suggested that in the existing condition it did not play as expected. CEE has influenced the students character in terms of rule of law, democratic outlook, respecting to constitutional or human rights of others and do defend theirs to be respected, equality and equity, and modern patriotism. However, these CEE influences had been interrupted by some students indiscipline act in the target private schools. Aggressiveness, Immorality by cheating and lying, Alcohol or drug activity, Disregard to the rules and regulations of the school by damaging schools properties, Tardiness and Truancy were some of commonly observed disciplinary problems of students at the target private high schools.
The major factors diminishing the positive influences of CEE were lack of inclusion of moral and ethical values-related contents in the text book; unable to support the knowledge, skills and attitudes harvested from the text book by offering of supplementary subjects like character education side by side; lack of trained teachers, failure of some CEE teachers to serve as role model including guidance and counseling service providers did not bad or good things students should pursue in their life; insufficient parents and communities aid provided to schools and low monitoring acts to their children including too much trust on the private school administrations; age of adolescence etc. To overcome these problems the research suggested the following points: revising the curriculum to add up of moral, ethics and value related contents on existing contents; parents and school communities in collaboration should strive for cultivating students continuously, and educational institutions concerned to private schools should work honestly and do give support and should put in to effect of strict monitoring mechanisms.
Key Words: Civics, Ethics, Modern patriotism, Ethical problem
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Keywords
Civics, Ethics, Modern patriotism, Ethical problem