The story of Odysseus, his wanderings, and his suffering teach contemporary students lessons about life, as they have taught students in the past. The message from this story, that is, at the foundations of western culture, is that life must be embraced as it is and that pain can lead to self-knowledge. (SLD)

Socrates' defense of his life and work as told in Plato's "Apology" is an ideal work for moving young people to consider their moral responsibilities to themselves and others. Read as a biography, this classic text is timely in that it invites reflection on character formation and personal development. (Author/SLD)

The principles that underlie the education in music and painting described in Plato's "Republic" constitute a theory of the role of the arts in moral education that can be applied in other contexts, including contemporary education. Also explored is Plato's view of the influence of poetry on those not educated in Socrates' system. (SLD)

This study investigated whether the politics of gay rights have affected school district programs regarding sexual orientation. Data from school districts nationwide indicate that most school districts are not offering recommended program elements related to sexual orientation issues. Districts within localities with gay rights protection are…

Discusses the importance of teaching scientific ethics and the use of the case method in which ethical issues are raised in the context of realistic situations. Describes the use of this method with a high school audience. Concludes that the case method is an effective technique for discussing scientific ethics with high school students. (JRH)

Describes the reaction of the scientific community to the issue of responsible conduct in research. Cites the importance of professional standards and ethical values in scientific disciplines and explains that these are not readily learned from observation alone but must be addressed consciously. (DDR)

Researchers say that kids seldom practice what character education programs preach. In real-life situations, students often act as though they have never learned about honesty, sharing, and cooperation. Some experts call for authentic, fundamental changes in the ways schools operate. To become grounded in basic values, students must see good…

Finds that eighth grade students in Facing History and Ourselves classrooms show increases in relationship maturity and decreases in racist attitudes and self-reported fighting behavior relative to comparison students. Reports that the gains made by Facing History students in moral reasoning and in civic attitudes and participation were not…

Staff at a Louisville, Kentucky, school have created a caring community of learners whose members feel valued, personally interconnected, and committed to everyone's growth and learning. Child Development Project schools emphasize warm, supportive, and stable relationships; constructive learning; intrinsic motivation; a challenging curriculum; and…

Discusses the reluctance of many teachers to embrace innovative teaching strategies because of ethical concerns. Identifies ethical principles and other factors of ethical decision making, demonstrates their application using case studies and fictional vignettes involving attempts at innovation, and outlines a faculty development process in…

Examines educational activities in terms of authentic, developmentally appropriate practices. Suggests that authentic experiences are closer to being true than false in nature; a real thing rather than a replica; characterized by honesty; and richer, wider, deeper than a synthetic counterpart. Authentic experiences feel right and evoke feeling.…

Describes issues surrounding development of tolerance in young children, including relationship of moral development with cognitive development. Recognizes importance of family and other adult models, and argues that teaching about tolerance should be embedded in an inclusive approach to curriculum, with children given opportunities to make…

Compares two approaches to character education: (1) the centralized, national approach in South Korean elementary schools; and (2) the legislatively mandated initiative in Georgia (United States) specifically looking at Friendship Elementary School in Hall County. Discusses the similarities and differences between the character education…

Describes the approach to moral education utilized by John Wilson focusing on his claims, arguments, and conclusions. Explores eight specific topics, such as his general perspective on moral education and the meaning and nature of moral. Reports on the areas of difficulty and criticism in relation to his approach. (CMK)

Draws an analogy between Kohlberg and Socrates in the substance and procedure of moral education from a societal perspective. (Author/BB)