Presented at a 2-day seminar at the School of Education, University of New South Wales, Australia, this paper reviews theories and research findings concerning the development of children's sense of justice. Part I of the paper briefly discusses Jean Piaget's and Lawrence Kohlberg's theories concerning the development of children's moral…

To demonstrate the inappropriateness of fables for moral instruction at early elementary levels, a study was conducted with children from grades two, four, and six in two suburban schools on Long Island (New York). The children listened to recordings of three fables, "The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf,""The Fox and the Goat," and "The Lion and the…

This paper introduces key concepts in the field of moral stage development and presents highlights from a long-term research project on moral discussion, and, particularly, on the role of transactive discussion in moral development. The main objective of the research was to identify those features of moral discussion (defined as transactive) that…

This study investigates effects of perceived rule-breaking on the moral reasoning of young children. Thirty first-grade children (15 males and 15 females) were read 10 randomly ordered moral judgment stories by one of three experimenters. Each story was accompanied by a two-frame cartoon-like drawing depicting the action. Two stories of each of…

This study examined the responses of kindergarten, first, third, and fourth grade girls to examples of good and bad behaviors followed either by good or bad outcomes. The results indicated that good behavior did not affect judgments of outcome but that a good outcome raised judgments of bad behavior. (JMB)

Shows how the subject-object interaction of the dialectical model elucidates the interdependence of moral judgments and self-esteem. Suggests that both the effects of cultural and historical contexts on individual moral development and the effects of individual moral development on the family and society should be recognized. (JMB)

Kohlberg's moral development theories and research are criticized. (DE)

The rationale for values education is reviewed and it is suggested that the language of values education does not belong in education. The authors state that teaching is an activity that takes aggressive and direct action on students' opinions and beliefs, not for the sake of their values, but for their characters. (LBH)

It is suggested that sexual involvement is a moral issue reflecting decisions about the quality of interpersonal relationships desired by the partners. A cognitive developmental model for understanding interpersonal relationships is proposed and three levels of relationship reasoning are described. (Author)

Attempts to show how moral education construed as responsibility management functions causally to further individuals' autonomy. Since personal freedom entails responsibility and since individuals and society both influence each other, society's need for responsible action can be used to strengthen individual freedom. (Author/ RK)

In order to judge the appropriateness of "pastoral care" in schools it is necessary to examine the conceptual link between "pastoral care" and "authority". Without authority the pastor's job could not be done. This is also true for teachers but there are differences which are discussed. (Editor/RK)

The work of John Wilson, now teaching at Oxford University, as moral educator is summarized and evaluated. His rationalist humanistic approach is based on a componential characterization of the morally educated person. The rationale and conceptual status of the components is discussed. His position is compared to that of Peter McPhail, R. S.…

Presents a clarification of morality, ethics, and moral development, as well as a definition of justice. Also examines a theological perspective of moral development and the implications of this perspective for the education of young students. Includes examples of classroom situations where the concept of "justice-plus" can be developed as a moral…

Deals primarily with the currently popular notion of "moral education". Points out some of the theoretical problems that must be resolved before adding the prefix "moral" to education as well as the practical difficulties that will be encountered in teaching this confused "subject" in the public schools in a multi-cultural society. (Editor/RK)

Clarifying values through physical education is one way to make classrooms and gymnasiums more relevant to a world of change, confusion, and conflict. (JD)