Discusses recent social studies developments, including the new social studies, values education, and Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning. The author analyzes the six stages of Kohlberg's theory and its contributions to revitalization of the social studies. (Author/DB)

Explores whether involvement in Greek organizations enhances student development. Discusses areas of student development, such as academic, social, and moral and ethical development, and reviews studies examining the correlation between Greek organizations and student development. Studies show no conclusive evidence of Greek involvement leading to…

Critiques studies of moral development and culture in light of key assumptions of cultural psychology with regard to culturally mediated contexts, the coherence and complexity of cultures, and agency in a culturally grounded self. Argues that the challenge remains to retain concern with agency and context sensitivity, while giving weight to the…

Existing research on secondary teachers' values does not support assertions of moral decline. More study is needed of such questions as Is there enough common ground for a shared value system? Is such as system desirable? Do national initiatives encourage, impose, or prevent development of a shared value system? (SK)

This article examines positions by diverse philosophers (the ancient Stoics and the contemporary moral and political philosopher John Rawls) and shows the relevance of their disagreement concerning moral development. The position produced from this disagreement is then applied to two features of giftedness, sensitivity to justice and desire for…

Explains that because we want children to be honest, strong-minded, bold, resist peer pressure, and speakout against wrongdoing, protection against hurt must sometimes give way to other priorities. Suggests benchmarks that should be incorporated into decision-making: the act itself, its consequences, the motives, and the personal history of the…

Addresses the issue of selective moral disengagement in the exercise of moral agency. Argues that moral functioning is governed by self-reactive selfhood rather than by dispassionate abstract reasoning. Concludes that the massive threats to human welfare stem mainly from deliberate acts of principle rather than from unrestrained acts of impulse.…

Traces the history of Minnesota's approach to moral judgment research. Claims this history can be subdivided into four phases, each with a different goal and theoretical consideration. Concludes the Minnesota approach has been a progressive force in the field. Argues that this approach reaffirms Lawrence Kohlberg's view that moral judgments are…

Provides a critical appraisal of two significant contributions of the Minnesota approach to moral development. Describes one contribution as the componential model that describes the four psychological components underlying moral behavior. Identifies the second contribution as the conceptual and methodological reformulations known as the…

Pre- and post-tests investigated the impact of a 15-week outdoor experiential program on the moral reasoning of 196 university students. Participants' moral reasoning was enhanced, possibly through front-loading of moral reasoning concepts, reflection, critical thinking, problem solving, and adherence to the full-value contract, even though…

Explains that the concepts marked by shame and guilt are analyzed briefly. Reviews the merits and demerits as types of moral motivation, stating that both may be paralyzing rather than morally constructive. Reports that fear and desire are considered as alternative motivations. (DAJ)

Unlike stimulus-response models based on external controls, the Educational Responsibility program thriving in many New York State schools is designed to strengthen student empowerment and responsibility. Teachers learn to create needs-fulfilling classrooms, using strategies such as building team involvement, offering choices, increasing value for…

Responds to criticisms of his article, "Unmasking the Face of Narcissism," recognizing a difference between "positive narcissism," or mastering one's own reality, and "negative narcissism." Suggests the Copernican Model, involving longer class periods and fewer major courses, as a means of incorporating analyses of…

Challenges Carol Gilligan's (1982) assertion that there are two fundamentally different and gender-related orientations to morality, namely a male justice orientation and a female care orientation. Argues that Gilligan's view that these orientations are logically and psychologically incompatible and that their developmental origins are in early…

Cites empirical evidence contrary to Goodman's assertion that preschool children are egocentric and incapable of moral reflection. Offers evidence that heteronomous regulation of children leads to numerous undesirable outcomes and that encouragement of children's autonomy leads to positive outcomes. Points out numerous misconceptions of…