Equitable Dimensions: Character Development for Underrepresented Students
When determining the focus of her article, Amy Tran noticed a gap in the character development literature: little attention to the experiences of students who are historically pushed to the margins in higher education. Her article provides an overview of the current research on character development among students from minoritized groups. She also offers recommendations for how professors can better cultivate character development among this community, grounded in research and her own lived experiences as a university student.
Integrating character virtues into the higher education classroom nurtures increased academic success and community engagement. For minoritized students especially, this can lead to a greater sense of resilience, empowerment, and social mobility. Developing character virtues like perseverance, teamwork, and hope can be essential in overcoming the structural barriers that underrepresented students undergo while facilitating civic engagement and leadership within their communities. In this article, I will break down the benefits of incorporating teaching civic, moral, and intellectual values in the classroom, with a special emphasis on their impact on minoritized students.