Suggests that instructors teach the U.S. Catholic bishops' pastoral on economics by confronting today's moral confusion directly to promote values clarification. Reviews the historical causes of today's value conflicts, discusses the bishops' suggestions for resolving them, and offers assignments to help students clarify their own values. (DMM)

This paper proposes that schools resume their historic role in cultivating basic moral values in their students, based on what is defined as our national ethos: (1) a belief in the worth and perfectability of human life; (2) a belief in democracy; (3) faith in reason and the orderly solution of conflict; (4) respect for knowledge and commitment to…

In designing a core curriculum, educators should use the cross-cultural methodology of the social sciences to examine the range of values implicit in a core curriculum. Students should also learn how to use cross-cultural studies, to both learn about other cultures and identify inconsistencies or shortcomings within their own culture. (MSE)

A step-by-step explanation is provided of SOLVE (Solutions, Outcomes, Liabilities, Values, and Evaluations), a method for resolving moral problems to satisfy others as well as the individual conscience. As indicated in introductory comments, SOLVE separates moral dilemmas into their constituent parts. Each moral problem has a number of…

Describes a college-level course that uses classic texts, such as Plato's "The Republic" and Thomas More's "Utopia," to consider concepts related to the "good society." Expands this initial approach to include consideration of a postmodernist perspective. This perspective encourages consideration of texts and ideas…

A curriculum designed for secondary school fourth-year language students focuses on the human life cycle in the Hispanic cultural context. Four lessons cover the following topics: (1) Hispanic values; (2) the roles of women and men in Hispanic society; (3) customs related to dating, love, marriage, and divorce; and (4) treatment of death. Each…

Describes a lesson plan that examines the needs and benefits of moral behavior standards that extend beyond the strictly "legal." Procedures include a guided discussion concerning legal but reprehensible actions (participating in destructive gossip). Informative handouts precede moving the discussion to a more global perspective. (MJP)

Describes a lesson plan that utilizes stories and quotes to facilitate a discussion concerning behavior and character. Students chose material that illustrates certain character traits (fairness and justice, respect). A worksheet assignment contains relevant and stimulating questions. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that accentuates honesty as a central tenet of moral behavior. The first handout requires written answers to open-ended questions based on the students' personal convictions. Subsequent handouts contain quotes, arguments, and "Six Reasons for Being Honest." A class discussion follows. (MJP)

Argues that law-related education should move beyond teaching the mechanics and issues of government and include those concepts of civic virtue incorporated within democracy. Notes that students need philosophical and moral content as well as experiential learning. (MJP)

Postulates a connection between character education and social responsibility. Identifies the two essential skills necessary for character development as empathy and self-discipline. Discusses the role these play in developing a social conscience. (MJP)

Endorses the movement, popular among parents and teachers, for implementing ethical instruction in the K-12 curriculum. Discusses the needs and benefits of such instruction. Examines the question of "whose values" are to be taught, and arrives at a consensus of core values, including honesty, compassion, self-discipline, and respect.…

Provides a selected list of workbooks and other curriculum materials to enhance character education instruction. Includes addresses and phone numbers for 13 research organizations such as the Ethics Resource Center and the Character Education Institute. (MJP)

Introduces a concise overview of societal changes and their implications for moral education. Asserts that moral education research will shift from a search for immutable truth to workable solutions. Boundaries between researcher and subject will become blurred as research is used to serve rather than observe the client. (MJP)

Describes a service learning project where students identify a real political problem, research related issues, and propose a solution. Members of the U.S. Congress and county offices of education have created corresponding awards programs. Includes procedures for creating a local project. (MJP)