That's an interesting question. Character development is the process of cultivating positive qualities in individuals that promote their well-being and the well-being of others². Some of the character traits that are often valued include honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, courage, and citizenship¹⁶.
There are various methods and frameworks for measuring character development in students. One approach is to use **surveys or questionnaires** that assess specific character traits, such as perseverance, empathy, and honesty⁸. Students can be provided with self-assessment surveys that evaluate their perceptions of their own character development⁵. Alternatively, students can be rated by their peers, teachers, or parents on their character strengths and weaknesses⁵.
Another approach is to use **observational or behavioral** measures that capture how students demonstrate character in real-life situations⁶. For example, teachers can observe how students interact with others in the classroom, how they handle challenges or conflicts, how they participate in group work or community service, and how they follow the rules and norms of the school⁶. Similarly, students can track their own behavior using journals, logs, or checklists that record their actions and reflections related to character⁵.
A third approach is to use **portfolio or performance** assessments that showcase students' character development through various products or tasks⁶. For example, students can create portfolios that include evidence of their character growth, such as essays, stories, poems, artwork, videos, or presentations that illustrate their values, beliefs, goals, or achievements⁵. Alternatively, students can perform tasks that require them to apply their character skills or knowledge, such as role-playing scenarios, debates, simulations, or problem-solving activities⁶.
A fourth approach is to use **interviews or focus groups** that elicit students' perspectives and experiences on character development⁵. For example, students can be interviewed individually or in groups about their understanding of character, their sources of influence or inspiration, their challenges or successes in developing character, or their future plans or aspirations related to character⁵. Interviews can also be conducted with other stakeholders, such as teachers, parents, or community members who can provide feedback or insights on students' character development⁵.
Each method has its advantages and limitations and provides valuable insights into different dimensions of character development. A comprehensive assessment of character development would ideally use a combination of methods and sources to capture a holistic picture of students' character growth over time⁶.
Source:
(1) Character Strengths for Students | Greater Good In Education. https://ggie.berkeley.edu/student-well-being/character-strengths-for-students/.
(2) 7 Tips for Building Character in Schools and Students. https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/7-tips-for-building-character-in-schools-and-students/.
(3) 6 Measuring Character | Approaches to the Development of Character .... https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/24684/chapter/7.
(4) How can we measure character development in students leaving high .... https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_can_we_measure_character_development_in_students_leaving_high_school.
(5) (PDF) How can we measure character development in students leaving high .... https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371340107_How_can_we_measure_character_development_in_students_leaving_high_school.
(6) Character Development: 7 Ways Teachers Can Help - Teachmint. https://blog.teachmint.com/character-development/.
(7) Importance of Developing A Student’s Character | Leaderonomics. https://www.leaderonomics.com/articles/community/importance-of-developing-a-students-character.
(8) A Tool to Help Students Assess and Improve Their Character - Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/tool-help-students-assess-and-improve-their-character.