Lived Experiences of Grade Six Teachers in Implementing Character Education Programs for Learners’ Moral Development in Sectarian Elementary Schools

This study examined the lived experiences of grade six teachers in implementing character education programs for learners’ moral development in sectarian elementary schools. Specifically, it aimed to explore the lived experiences of Grade Six teachers in implementing character education, identify the instructional strategies and core values emphasized, and determine the perceived impact on learners’ moral formation. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, with data collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to capture recurring patterns and meanings. Findings revealed that character education was intentionally integrated into both curricular and co-curricular activities, with teachers emphasizing values such as honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility. Instructional strategies included values integration in lessons, reflective activities, modeling of behavior, and faith-based practices. The results further showed that holistic engagement, consistent teacher modeling, and active involvement of families and the school community significantly supported the internalization of moral values among learners. However, challenges such as limited instructional resources, diverse learner backgrounds, and competing academic demands affected the consistency and depth of program implementation. The study concluded that sustained, intentional, and collaborative character education practices contribute significantly to the development of morally grounded, empathetic, and socially responsible learners. It implies that effective character formation requires a whole-school approach supported by strong teacher preparation, adequate resources, and active school–community partnerships. Strengthening these areas is essential to enhance the long-term impact and sustainability of character education programs in sectarian schools.

Character education, elementary learners, moral development

1. Alhammadi, A., & Aljunaibi, R. (2022). Impact of Globalization and Technology on Moral Education in the UAE. Journal of Moral Education, 48(2), 123-136. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2019.1601234 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Al-Issa, A. (2024). Cultural Diversity and Education: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in the UAE. International Journal of Educational Development, 39, 36-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2014.06.005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Aquinas School. (2025). Mission / Vision. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://aquinas.edu.ph/mission-vision/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Aquinas School. Outreach (2025). Outreach program. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://aquinas.edu.ph/activities-outreach-program/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Berkowitz, M. W., & Bier, M. C. (2022). Research-based character education. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 591(1), 72–85. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2023). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Department of Education Davao Region. (2023). Character education initiatives in elementary schools: Progress report. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Garcia, M. L. (2021). Faith-based approaches to character education in Mindanao. Philippine Journal of Education, 15(3), 112-127. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Kolb, D. A. (2021). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (2nd ed.). Pearson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Lacson, R. T. (2024). The impact of media and family on the moral development of children. Journal of Child and Adolescent Studies, 8(1), 34-49. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Lickona, T. (2021). Educating for character (rev. ed.). Bantam. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2023). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Nucci, L., & Narvaez, D. (2023). Handbook of moral and character education (3rd ed.). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Oliva, J. M. (2025). Forming women leaders: The effects and influences of Catholic education in the Philippines (Doctoral thesis). St Mary’s University. https://research.stmarys.ac.uk/id/ eprint/6808/1/FINAL%20with%20corrections%20Oliva%20J%20Complete%20Thesis%20Document%20June2025.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Patton, M. Q. (2023). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Revell, L., & Arthur, J. (2021). Character education in schools. Journal of Moral Education, 50(3), 245–260. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Santos, J. P., & Cruz, E. F. (2022). Engaging communities in values education: A case study of Davao schools. Mindanao Educational Review, 9(2), 56-70. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Thornberg, R., & Oğuz, E. (2022). Moral education in contemporary classrooms. Teaching and Teacher Education, 115, 103720. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. UNICEF Philippines. (2022). Integrating psychosocial support in education in conflict-affected areas. UNICEF Reports. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Universidad Francisco de Vitoria – Centro de Educación en Virtudes y Valores (CEV). (2023). Educación del Carácter: Especialista Universitario. Misión UFV. https://mision.ufv.es/sp/educacion-del-caracter/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. (2023). Centro de Educación en Virtudes y Valores (CEV). https://www.ufv.es/centro-de-educacion-en-virtudes-y-valores/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. van Manen, M. (2024). Researching lived experience: Human science for an action sensitive pedagogy (2nd ed.). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
• Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
• Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
• The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
• Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar