American Adolescent Character Education And Its Enlightenment

The Nation at Risk Report (U.S) was published in 1983. The report revealed that "Confusion of the Students' Values"is one of the most serious problems in American basic education among the four major problems listed . The sharp contrast of material civilization and moral deterioration aroused the attention of all levels in American society. Therefore, the significance of Character Education is once more upgraded. 90% of the public think it crucial to pass on Core Values and Virtues to the young generation.Based on Literature Review, Historical and Comperative Methodology, theauthor traces back the history of American cultural values, the development of ethical,moral education and the present situation of adolescent character education as well. The advantages and disadvantages in carrying out adolescent character education and the strategies are also analysed in the thesis.The style of adolescent character education is different between China and America due to distinct historical, cultural, social and geographical factors. Both countries have their own policies and measures for character education. Comparison is made by the author trying to find some characteristics in American adolescent character education in order to draw valuable enlightenment.