Primary school teachers perceptions about character education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of primary school teachers about character education. In this descriptive study, data were collected by using a survey questionnaire which required descriptive analysis. Based on the findings, it was revealed that primary school teachers (n=60) defined the character education as moral values necessary to be taught to individuals and behaviors for their personality development. According to the teachers, the most important responsibility of them is to be a model for their students and in order to be a good model they should have the desired characteristics. Some of the teachers think that students who do not get enough support from their parents can have positive characteristics thanks to intense communication and collaboration among school-parents and teachers. On the other hand, some teachers do not think that such kind of students can change. However, the majority of teachers think that students having negative characteristics such as telling lie, cheating and showing disrespectful behaviors can be changed through support. Almost all teachers think that nowadays students lack of respect and responsibility, and they believe that character education conducted at schools is not enough for students.