Seeking a Common Bond: The Differences in Character Education Between the United States Military Academy and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Abstract

The Army demands that soldiers adopt a common, shared character. However, the officer commissioning venues teach character to cadets differently, which may lead to disparities in the force that threaten the Army's ability to fulfill its mission. This study used qualitative case study methodology to analyze how USMA and ROTC differ in character education curriculum design, delivery, and assessment, additionally applying the Kirkpatrick Model as a framework to analyze assessment differences. Using interviews and curriculum documents, this thesis illuminates the differences in character education, identifies gaps in assessment thereof, and presents a comparison previously absent from the literature. This study found a number of differences, including unique curriculum development situations, delivery distinctions in a number of categories, and differing styles of assessment, particularly in the Learning and Behavior levels. This thesis recommends a number of ways that Army decision makers may align and improve USMA and ROTC character education.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 18, 2021
Accession Number
AD1157409

Entities

People

  • Johnathon D. Parker

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Training
  • Civil War
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Human Resources
  • Instructors
  • Law
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • National Security
  • Second World War
  • Students
  • United States Government
  • United States Military Academy
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Theoretical Analysis.