A Comparative Study of Character Education Practices Across Nations: Lessons and Insights for Global Implementation

Abstract

This study explored the character education practices in four countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, offering a comparative analysis of their policies, curricula, and implementation strategies. Character education is vital in shaping students' values and ethics, fostering responsible global citizens. The research examined the national frameworks and cultural contexts that influenced these programs, identifying common core values such as respect, responsibility, and social harmony, while highlighting the unique approaches in each nation. The study also evaluated the challenges faced, including resource limitations, high academic pressure, and balancing traditional values with modern needs. The findings provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each system, emphasizing the importance of government support, teacher training, and community involvement. This research offered valuable lessons for global education systems and presents recommendations for adopting culturally sensitive and adaptable models. Future research directions include examining the long-term impact of character education on societal development and exploring the potential for international collaboration to enhance global character education practices.