The benefits of understanding and pursuing one's purposes in life are well documented. However, few studies have addressed potential interventions for enhancing purpose. This article presents the results of an empirical investigation testing whether reflecting on and discussing one's core values, life goals, and purposes in life has benefits for…

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…

This paper, intended to assist users in developing a rationale for vocational education, lists a series of values, followed by two or more citations from the literature that support the particular item. The thesis of the paper is that vocational education can and does play a number of significant roles in the secondary school setting. The values…

Discusses the use of the opinion poll technique which requires students to take a stand on an issue and to defend or give reasons for taking the stand they chose. Students become aware of their values and how they affect decisions. Issues for elementary students are suggested. (RM)

Designed to be used with the Illinois teacher's manual, "Vocational Ethics: Toward the Developing of an Enabling Work Ethic," this supplementary instructional information contains the following: (1) student worksheets; (2) activities; (3) assessment information; and (4) a Teacher's Trouble Shooter's Guide to enable teachers to check their own…

This book is a call to those within higher education to remain clear and consistent about the core values--service, truth, freedom, equality, individuation, justice, and community--that play a critical role in American society. It provides suggestions to help administrators and faculty to incorporate these values into their own practice and…

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)

There is a widespread belief that new and more extensive efforts should be made in the public schools to teach values. Public schools are a major institution aiding the integration of diverse groups in U.S. society. Furthermore, there are serious problems in U.S. society that values education should address as shown by the incidences of drug…

Cultural analysts have indicated that American culture is going through a significant transition in values. The views of three of these analysts are reviewed and implications are drawn for counselors. (Author)

This document is a reference for teachers to use in incorporating values education into all subject areas through the activities listed in the book. The book contains 16 chapters, of which about half provide guidelines, discussion and activities related to values in general, and half suggest activities specific to individual areas of study. In the…

This responsibility education activity book for grades 5-10 offers a set of materials that reflect students' interests and motivation for values education. The book is built around three moral principles: (1) "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Confucius, 513 B.C.); (2) "The end does not justify the means" (Immanuel Kant, "The…

Discusses how teachers' values influence their feelings about students, themselves, and other teachers and cause the development of stress. Suggests ways to overcome stress. (CT)

Briefly reports, defines, and classifies central questions and issues in moral education. Traces recent theoretical developments in moral philosophy and moral reasoning and relates these to education for democratic values. Concludes with a recommendation to apply these principles globally. (MJP)

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)

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)…