| Internalizing
Virtue Framework |
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| Why
the Circle Inside the Triangle? |
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Internalizing
virtue isn't just about acquiring a set of habits. It's about gradually
gaining wisdom -- acting and then reflecting on what we've done,
learning from our mistakes, and coming to a greater understanding
of how to live a life shaped by such qualities as compassion, respect,
and honesty.
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- Our
understanding informs our actions.
- Our
actions give us reason to reflect.
- These
reflections strengthen our understanding of virtue and
our commitment to act accordingly.
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| Internalizing
Virtue: How It's Done |
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| Awareness
is created as educators and others explain and define virtues, as a means
of building a common language and shared character goals for the school
community. Students become aware that respect, kindness, and diligence,
for example, matter when teachers use these words and remind students of
the importance of these virtues to both their intellectual and their personal
development. |
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| Understanding
of virtue is awakened when students experience that "A-ha!" moment
and realize that living virtuously and making wise choices contributes to
personal happiness and the happiness of others. Understanding is enlightened
through stories, poetry, images, music, film, and examples of lives past
and present. Understanding heightens students' desire to lead a virtuous
life; to use their time, talent, and energy well; and to make wise choices. |
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| Action
enables students to build good habits. We learn by doing. As Aristotle notes,
"[Men] become builders by building and lyre-players by playing the
lyre; so too we become just by doing just acts...brave by doing brave acts."
Action is about putting virtue into practice. |
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| Reflection
involves thinking about choice and action. Was it a good or a bad decision?
Why? What would we do differently next time? Reflection helps us develop
the self-knowledge essential to internalizing virtue. It cultivates moral
reasoning. |
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| Virtues
are those good habits of mind, heart, and action that enable us to choose
and act well. Fostering virtue -- helping students to lead flourishing
lives -- is at the heart of character education. |
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