ERIC Number: EJ1436577
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1454-7678
EISSN: EISSN-2457-8673
Preliminary Study: Exploring the Perception and Experiences of Using Character Strengths in Student Teachers
Thet Thet Mar; Mária Hercz
Journal of Educational Sciences, v25 n1(49) p163-178 2024
In order to empower and well prepare student teachers for their future roles, integrating character strengths into their personal development and academic pursuits is crucial. This will equip them to contribute invaluable knowledge and practice to future generations. Given the absence of character strengths research in Myanmar, the investigation is essential. Myanmar Education Degree Colleges (EDCs) are implementing a 4-year degree program that prioritizes competencies and teaching-learning approaches to encourage student teachers to apply character strengths and make them confident and enthusiastic learners. Character strengths can be defined as an inherent quality that allows individuals to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Peterson and Seligman identified 24-character strengths that are divided into six virtues: wisdom and knowledge, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence, based on significant examination of cross-cultural and numerous research. By following the framework of VIA classification, this study aims to explore the Myanmar student teachers' perception and experiences of using their character strengths thereby raising their awareness and validating the existence of 24-character strengths in Myanmar culture. To achieve this, a qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 18 student teachers (M[subscript age] = 20.22, SD[subscript age] = 0.83). The reliability and validity of the research were confirmed through a pilot, and ethical approval was obtained. Direct content analysis and framework analysis were performed by using the VIA classification. The findings showed that 24-character strengths related to Buddhist beliefs were recognized by the participants. When they use their creativity, curiosity, judgment, cooperation, and leadership, they perform better in class and feel more productive. They became more conscious of the value of character strengths as a result of the interview. Their plans for enhancing specific character strengths in EDC provide valuable insights for scholars, educators, and curriculum developers.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Student Teachers, Student Attitudes, Personality Traits, Cultural Context, Buddhism, Beliefs, Individual Development
West University of Timisoara Department of Educational Sciences. Bd. V. Parvan 4, Timisoara, Timis 300223, Romania. Tel: +40-256-592111; e-mail: resjournal@e-uvt.ro; Web site: https://rse.uvt.ro/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Burma
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A