Academic Performance and Character

Character and principle based conduct does affect learning and academic results. It binds the teacher, student and parents to one goal and brings positive results.
Many people feel there is no real connection between academic performance and character and between subject learning and principles. Finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs is a synergistic concept. Human potential get unleashed with this integration of intelligences and capacities. Stephen Covey asked the principal how principle-centered character training she had introduced into the curriculum improved the academic performance. She said that previously sixty-seven percent of the students performed at or above grade level in national academic standards and today ninety-four percent are at or above grade level. Every thing around them was the same except the character principles that were introduced and integrated into the classes and lives of these students.
If the overlaying principle-centered software and the freedom to choose with hardwired gifts could happen in the homes and the schools of young people throughout the worlds it would be wonderful. It is an answer to the confusion expressed by author and founder/CEO emeritus of Visa International, Dee Hock: “The problem is never to get new innovative thoughts in the mind but how to get the old ones out.”
The film the “Wall of Wonder” is basically made up of 560 ceramic panels, each painted by a child, all blended into a montage of beautiful colors. The four needs-to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy as manifested by our four parts of nature are discussed. The entire film was spontaneous and real-time. Fifty-six different nationalities were represented in this school. Many of these children wore their native costumes and carried their flags when the author arrived at their school. In his book “The 8th Habit” Stephen Covey says that he had never seen such diversity at one place.
In all this diversity there was the common thread of principle based learning initiated by the leadership of the principal which brought good results to the school in academics and A.B Combs received a great many prestigious awards.
All the best,
John Meredith
The Learning Center - A UK partner of Franklin Covey

Tags: academic, character, families, film, principles