Abstract
This essay details some assumptions that the author, through his lived experience working in higher education character formation and assessment, has identified as being potentially problematic to institutional endeavors to form character. These assumptions are framed using theoretical perspectives from within the behavioral and social sciences. A few solutions are offered, with the main one being to reframe formation from passive, single events to an activity navigated responsibly by and with all stakeholders, as well as to assess formation via everyday lived experiences both within and outside the classroom.
Recommended Citation
Joseph, Dane C.
(2026)
"Correcting and Connecting Character Formation,"
Essays in Education: Vol. 32:
Iss.
2, Article 9.
Available at:
https://openriver.winona.edu/eie/vol32/iss2/9
Primary Author Bio Sketch
Dane C. Joseph is a professor in the College of Education and senior research fellow for the Program for Leadership and Formation at George Fox University. He has directed dozens of social science studies and works with stakeholders to create solutions based on psychological science. His scholarly interests are in the development and assessment of non-technical skills.
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