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STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
"STUDENTS
WANTED FOR A VALUES BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
BASED ON OUR
CONSTITUTION"
6.
YOU THE PEOPLE: ON CHARACTER EDUCATION AND TEACHING METHOD
You the
People improves character in those who participate. As
Mr. Jefferson said in so many words to Mr. Madison "It
is not enough to have the consent of the governed, it must
be informed consent". To which Mr.Madison said in
effect, "Yes, but a successful republican government
requires people to be virtuous as well." In addition
to learning how tobe involved in and affect their government,
You the PEOPLE seeks to improve student's character too.
It teaches and requires the following seven basic citizenship
skills or values, which are necessary to be an effective
American citizen: Cooperation, Patience, Fairness, Respect,
Strength, Self-improvement, and Balance. Derived from the
Preamble to the United States Constitution, these seven
citizenship skills are taught using everyday examples that
students can relate to such asfriendship issues, parental
relationships, job relationships, and school interactions.
Skills are further taught using both individual and group
exercises as well as questions for class discussion. The
following aptitudes: Initiative, Leadership, Conflict prevention,
Research andData Synthesis, Critical Thinking, Management,
Written and Oral Communication, and Self-control are also
taught as part of the process.
YTP uses
a different teaching method normally used in graduate programs-
the seminar method. The principle is simple. You can't
train people to come to their own conclusions by telling
them what to do. Students have to learn how to get the
answers for themselves which will serve them well in later
life. It also vastly increases their retention of the material.
To paraphrase an old maxim, "They perspire, you inspire".
The teacher here is a coach and mentor.
It includes
and unifies all the students who participate in it. It
allows all kinds of students to participate fully and to
the best of their ability. Since the grading is done on
individual effort plus group performance, everyone is encouraged
to do their best for the group. The students soon learn
that everyone has talents/skills that can help and they
make use them to the group's advantage. They also soon
learn skills from each other so that they can fill in for
a missing member.
©2000. You The People,
Inc. All rights reserved.
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