A taxonomy of stages in the development of values concepts is presented and illustrated. In addition, the role of direct and social feedback in the evolution of an individual's values is examined. Level I of the taxonomy, Developing Behavior Patterns, is a pre-values stage experienced in early childhood. At this stage, the infant learns what he…

Argues that there are two types of values held by all individuals. Contends that "hard" values are exemplified by consistent behavior and sacrifice whereas "soft" values are merely illustrated by making choices. Calls for a national consensus on recommended values that would be taught in the schools. (CFR)

Challenges Christopher Ormell's contention that individual values should be categorized into "hard" and "soft" values. Suggests that a continuum exists between the two extremes representing the degree of difficulty and sacrifice. Recommends that values education in schools be based on a continuum ranging between the two…

Questions are raised about the difficulty of defining normal and atypical sexual behavior. Variations from normalcy that students, parents, and educators are most likely to encounter are discussed. The importance of dealing with variations in ways that are best for the individual and the group is emphasized. (PP)

Law has been neglected as an area of inquiry in citizenship education. Fundamental to citizenship education is the teaching of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights in elementary and secondary schools. The bicentennials of these documents will be celebrated within the next decade. Law-related inquiry could enrich the…

Research conducted in the United States has found that people exert more effort when they perform a task individually than when they do so in a group. This phenomenon has been labeled social loafing. To examine the transcultural generality of social loafing, 20 male and 20 female Chinese school children in Taiwan were selected from grades 2, 3, 6,…

Discusses questionnaire survey of parental concern about childrens' behaviors, attitudes, privileges, and practices, and some of the factors which influence their social values and behaviors. Suggests that parental surveys can help in determining norms of behavior for specific communities, age groups, or schools holding particular philosophies.…

A curriculum model is presented for the development of competent citizens. The foundation of the model is not courses or disciplines but, rather, the characteristics of good citizens. These characteristics are identified in terms of understandings, attitudes, skills, and behaviors that are desirable in citizens if they are to promote unity,…

Various aspects of values education in public schools in the United States are explored in the monograph. Objectives are to examine the philosophy underlying values education, identify problems in values teaching, describe processes used to teach values, clarify differences between values education and indoctrination, and to suggest how values…

This three year exploratory research study investigated the cultural behaviors of Afro-Americans. Results of the study include: 1) A set of historical data on the continuous existence of cultural behaviors by Afro-Americans in the areas of music, language, food and dance. 2) A set of empirical data which explores contemporary expressions of…

Attended by participants from 19 nations, this conference focused on six topics related to child and adolescent development. Major topics discussed included child development and related issues, curriculum and the adolescent, the adolescent and technological changes, and the preparation of youth for adulthood. Symposia focusing on child…