Students' decisions are influenced by the moral climate of their school. Changing social, economical, and traditional family structures have contributed to an upheaval of moral foundations. As a result, schools are becoming a critical arena for students to develop into morally responsible adults. Consequently, the moral growth of teachers is an…

Suggests that Benjamin Franklin's autobiography contains many useful messages for today's students. Discusses Franklin's list of virtues that he followed in an attempt at attaining moral perfection. Includes temperance, industry, justice, tranquillity, and humility. Describes the message of Franklin's lesson as one of achieving through effort…

Reports on a study of 20 male and 20 female adults who responded to 2 forms of Kohlberg's tests. Concludes that the results are partially consistent with the possibility that Kohlberg's tests and scoring system are partially biased against females. (CFR)

Discusses the relationship between Lawrence Kohlberg's cognitive-stage theory as a further development of Piaget's moral theory. Argues Kohlberg describes moral thought and not the formation of the independent moral function. Finds Kohlberg's major interest is in the characteristics of stages of individual moral reasoning and the principle of…

Designed for teachers and arguing that democratic values are best taught in democratic classrooms, this hands-on guide offers clear directions for exploring values using children's literature as a starting point. Combining numerous classroom examples with practical advice, backed up by historical analysis and educational theory, the book: (1)…

As communication is a moral action involving personal choice, composition instructors must help promote their students' character development. Whether during audience analysis, invention, or disposition, composition always involves the development and testing of four virtues: honesty, courage, love, and a combination of hope and humility. Teachers…

Contends that the concept of levels of moral maturity in psychology focuses on character formation in children's development. Asserts that virtue theory in ethics can be helpful in pointing out the ethical implications of current work with children. Argues for the usefulness of ancient ethical concepts. (CFR)

Discusses Gilligan's explanation of the distinction between justice and care. Describes how she contrasts the two notions and explores the possibility of encompassing care within Piagetian developmental theory. Reviews Gilligan's position on justice and care as different forms of moral judgment. Examines different interpretations of universality…

College administrators have the responsibility as leaders to actively promote development of character among college students and others. Emphasis should be placed on universal human dignity, generosity of self, intercultural understanding, and the value of learning. Educators should encourage others, by modeling, to work for the common good. (MSE)

Maintains that the Defining Issues Test (DIT) is now the most frequently used measure of moral judgment development. Reviews the history of DIT research. Asserts that the measurement system provided by the DIT would put the cognitive developmental approach in a better position to affect change in the moral development field. (CFR)

Reports on a longitudinal study of four toddlers and the relationship of the development of moral awareness to maternal communications. Concludes that a 17-18-month period is a crucial transition period and calls for research into the relationship between emotional development and moral awareness. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the comparative philosophies and practices of secondary teachers in schools in New York State and near Moscow, Russia. Finds that teachers have two value orientations: (1) toward the school culture; and (2) toward each person's individual values and ways of thinking. (CFR)