The Centre's free online course 'What is Character? Virtue Ethics in Education', delivered in partnership with FutureLearn, attracted almost 7,000 learners from around the world. The course, which ran for two weeks in January, generated some fascinating discussions about character education, its place in schools and whether it is more taught or caught. The first week of the course introduced character education and the theoretical basis for it, providing a good foundation for learners to move into the second week where they explored how character can be both taught and caught in schools. Throughout the course learners heard from and engaged with academics from the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, as well as from teachers and head teachers who have experienced first-hand the transformative power of character education in their schools. The feedback from learners about both the course delivery and the subject area were extremely positive; some example are included below:
"I've found the course really interesting and thought-provoking. I'm looking forward to putting what I've learned into practice. Thank you!"
"It has been a wonderful course, with theoretical basis and openness to use our reflections."
"A fascinating course which still has me arguing with myself. Thank-you. "I have also enjoyed reading comments made by other learners, especially those from different backgrounds."
"I think the Jubilee Centre is filling an important gap in education. Even if we can’t teach character, that is make good characters of people, groups or governments, learning the attributes of character is an important step forward."
"It has been a wonderful course, with new ideas for me on character education. I am very grateful for your generosity to share your work and really look forward to learn more."