Character-Building in Higher Education: Adult Learners’ Perspectives

Abstract

This paper examines adult learners’ perceptions of the importance of cultivating good character at the tertiary level as a means of promoting personal transformation and the holistic development of cognitive, metacognitive, and socio-affective capacities. It is essential to consider the diverse academic, sociocultural, psychological, and economic challenges encountered by both local and international students in higher education. While such challenges are an inherent aspect of life, individuals vary in their awareness of and preparedness for them. Employing a qualitative approach, this study explores learners’ views on the significance of character development in fostering personal growth and transformation through a series of interviews. Thematic analysis will be used to interpret the data, which will be presented descriptively to reflect participants’ individual perspectives.