Implementing character education at public schools, focusing on Sathya Sai Education in human values: A case study of Sathya Sai School, Leicester, U.K. and India

Abstract

This dissertation examined: why and how has Sathya Sai Education achieved eminent results in both spiritual and academic domain? Although it has been a long time since the quintessential significance of character education was advocated in U.S as well as in Japan, the fact remains that there are still schools which are struggling with implementing and integrating the education even after the programs are employed. Among educational organizations that have been pursuing character education, Sathya Sai Education has proved to be very effective in terms of achieving both academic and character excellence in the students.

This case study research focused on Sathya Sai School, Leicester, U.K. and India, utilizing semi-structured, open-ended interviews, direct observation, participant-observation, and reflective journals. This study investigated the topic of highly qualitative, individual sense of values and belief systems, namely, self-examination and introspection based on respective experiences in 4 broad categories: (a) philosophy or a sense of mission of Sathya Sai School teachers; (b) learning or transformation process in Sathya Sai Education; (c) unique features of Sathya Sai Education in terms of teaching methodology, curriculum, and educational environment; (d) development of disciplines and faith in Sathya Sai Education. The collected data were analyzed to shed light on the core essence of character education which could be applicable to public schools.

The research revealed that implementing character education intensely depended on the way the teachers lived inside and outside the school environments with clear insight of goal of education as well as life itself. It also showed the teachers themselves needed to be role models of humanistic values such as love, truth, right conduct, peace, and non-violence in their daily lives, so that they could be catalysts to bring out potentialities in the hearts of students.

This dissertation would provide a relevant case study for teachers, educationists, parents and those who have earnest and profound concern in character education and today's world problems.