Describes in six articles the status of the present family, and examines various aspects of family counseling including: dynamics of various family problems; ecological and strategic psychotherapy; impact of organizational systems on families; parental role in moral education; development of surrogate family systems; and counselor values. (RC)

Discusses the nature of social interaction in the school setting as it relates to the child's moral development. The ideal setting is one in which the student is a full participant in the educational process, including discipline. Teachers must respect the child and allow him/her to interact with his/her peers. (JAC)

Eight years ago the Cambridge, Massachusetts, public school system initiated alternative schools and methods to make education more relevant to various students. The article describes seven different alternative schools and programs for basics, moral development, preparation for work, relaxed classrooms, or discipline. (MF)

This paper develops a theory of listening in democratic dialogs inspired by the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer and John Dewey. The theory requires the acknowledgement of a prominent role for risking and reconstructing social habits in open dialogs across gender, racial, and ethnic differences. (SM)

Argues for the inclusion of societal and moral values in science classrooms. The task for Malaysian science educators is to raise awareness of these values. Contains 40 references. (Author/PVD)

Compared Chinese and Canadian 7-, 9-, and 11-year-olds' moral evaluations of lie- and truth-telling in stories involving pro- and antisocial behavior. Found that Chinese children rated truth-telling less positively and lie-telling more positively in prosocial settings than Canadians. Both rated truth-telling positively and lie-telling negatively…

A longitudinal study investigated developmental change in theory of mind among 57 children (ages 4-14) with autism. Theory of mind tests were administered on an initial visit and one year later. Data indicated significant developmental improvement in theory of mind ability, which was primarily related to the children's language ability. (Contains…

Reviews studies examining effects of professional education on ethical development. Argues that most studies limit assessment to measuring moral judgment. Validates assessment methods for sensitivity, reasoning, role concept, and ethical implementation that could be adapted to provide individuals with a more complete picture of abilities needed…

Weaves theoretical concepts of Maria Montessori and Edith Cobb to suggest that a moral, meaningful life is influenced by early contact with nature in which adults draw children's attention to its value. Suggests that nature is the prepared environment fostering cosmic harmony and asserts that educators should provide opportunities for early…

Treatment programs promote individual solutions to substance abuse through changing dysfunctional behavior and relying on spiritual beliefs and practices. Root problems are understood to be diseases within the person. However, the social conditions implicated in causing the addiction remain unaddressed. Questions whether social workers can bring…

Examines the Greek National Curriculum for kindergarten within a historical/cultural perspective. Considers social development accompanying formation of the modern Greek state, problems of kindergarten teacher education, and elements of causal significance in production of Greece's National Curriculum. Critically examines aspects of the…

Describes a residential- and day-treatment center that operates as a "Therapeutic Just Community" designed to support the moral development of girls with serious emotional disturbances. Students are involved in creating community, making rules, and developing self-discipline. Explores the moral meaning of misbehavior and describes discipline and…

Used a life-world theoretical perspective as basis for examining how moral values and norms are expressed in interaction between Swedish toddlers and their preschool teachers or caregivers. Found that teachers/caregivers related morality to children's emotional and cognitive ability; to children's feelings of empathy, guilt, and shame; and to…

Examines four problems associated with developing character in college students: two concerned with moral cognition, or knowing what is right, and two concerned with moral action. It then reviews educational programs concerned with moral action, and provides suggestions for designing character development strategies. (Author/TE)

Explores the question: Is there development in morality, in terms of improvement from one age level to the next, or is there simply change? Argues that the best way to approach moral education is to assume moral equality among children, adolescents, and adults and to strive for the improvement of society in general. (GG)