The process of creating a canto in imitation of Dante's "The Inferno" not only enables students to gain a sense of medieval morality and history but also allows them to have an imaginative understanding of their own lives and times. (RL)

Investigates immanent justice decisions in 72 children at three grade levels (kindergarten, second, and fourth). The children were asked to evaluate behavior-accidental event sequences that represented all possible combinations of good or bad prior behavior followed by a lucky or unlucky event. (SS)

Describes the equity and cognitive developmental theories of children's concepts of distributive justice and examines a methodological problem which may have influenced previous findings. Also reports a study of the relations between hypothetical arguments, real-life arguments, and real-life division behaviors of 84 children aged four to seven…

Does not support Piaget's interpretations that mature moral judgment, dependent upon a decentered thought structure, develops around the ages of eight and nine. (RL)

This paper presents J. P. Shaver's model of rational decision making based on moral values and makes specific suggestions for implementing the model in health education instruction. (MM)

The need for adults to try to understand the emotional motivations behind children's lies is discussed. It is suggested that lies handled in an understanding way may provide the basis for a character-enhancing experience. (HS)

Democratic Socialization is viewed from a cognitive developmental perspective in which hypothetico-deductive thinking and exposure to democratic models are seen as necessary, but not sufficient to development of democrative values. A taxonomy of democratic development is offered. (MS)

Explains R. W. Beardsmore's account of the nature of morality and moral behavior and examines the implications that it has for moral education at all levels. (Author/RK)

In a fictional account of Thomas Jefferson's writing to a modern secondary school educator and administrator, the author presents some viewpoints on the purpose and duration of public education. (MB)

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…