Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH QUARTERLY, cilt.47, sa.4, ss.3-37, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
The present study focused on exploring the views of parents regarding character education programs implemented in elementary schools in the USA.The sample comprised of parents in Florida, as it is one of the states where character education is mandatory. Florida's implementation of compulsory character education is particularly significant given its unique socio-cultural structure and population dynamics. Also as one of the most populous states in the USA with a diverse and evolving social structure, Florida's emphasis on character education is noteworthy. While there is existing research on teachers' perspectives, there is a lack of sufficient research on parents' beliefs in this regard. Recognizing the significance of parents' views and roles in shaping children's character development, this study investigated parental perspectives on various aspects of character education programs, including goals, content, teaching-learning processes, and evaluation. The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative, utilizing semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 11 parents. The findings provide insights into parents’ views on goals, content, teaching-learning and evaluation processes of the character education programs.Parents in the study showcased a strong grasp of character education, emphasizing its importance, expressing satisfaction with schools addressing discrimination and highlighting the relevance of teaching foundational values, addressing negative behaviors, and praising the positive impact of character education programs, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.
Keywords: Character Education, Curriculum, Program Development, Parental Views