Essential Learnings - Building Character

One of the key goals of education that often does not find place in school curriculums and assessment is the development of character and fundamental moral values of truth and justice.

This goal is defined as an essential learning in the handbook for teachers produced by Saskatchewan Education - Understanding the Common Essential Learnings . It is articulated as the "development of compassionate and fair-minded persons who can make positive contributions to society as individuals and as members of groups"

This handbook delves into the framework necessary for the development of personal and social values and skills. In Chapter VI, it is stated that:

"the most basic moral value underlying development of this Common Essential Learning is that of respect for persons."

"When we respect other people we acknowledge their language, their history and their culture as important aspects of their personal identity. While respect implies causing no harm and supporting the rights of individuals and groups to make decisions about what is in their best interest, it also involves active attempts to do well by others. "

"....While the abilities and understandings of this C.E.L. develop gradually and are shaped both by negative and by positive experiences with others, a single compassionate and fair-minded teacher has a powerful and long-lasting positive affect. "

So will you be that one?

Uranium, plutonium, critical mass and the atom bomb

If you're a physics buff and even if you're not really, you'll be enthralled by these lectures by Richard Muller, who teaches physics at the University of California. These podcasts cover nuclear terrorism, cold fusion, climate change and something called "physics for future presidents" (he's also published a book by the same name if you're interested). You'll learn how the atom bomb was made and what nuclear fission can do.

Brilliant, lucid, and targeted as much to the layperson as to future presidents - a definite must hear.

Check out these podcasts now. Or go direct to the main UC Berkeley webcast page.