A course is described in which students were to: learn about nuclear weapons and their medical, social, and ecological consequences; identify principles of social ethics defining health professionals' roles; and define professional activities consistent with these principles. Student attitudes toward the course and its content were measured. (MSE)

The relationship of research in cognitive-developmental psychology to moral discussion is examined, particularly the controversial "+1" convention which asserts that successful moral discussion requires a group leader who presents moral reasoning one stage above that of the participants. Recommendations for classroom moral discussions…

Discusses an intervention strategy for interpersonal problems in which primary grade students reflect on personal experiences and dilemma stories to increase social cognitive skills. Two first grade classes participated in an experiment applying this intervention method. Findings showed that students' moral judgement, problem-solving skills,…

Discusses research results indicating that teachers, students, parents, and employers in the United Kingdom agree that the primary goal of education is to develop student character and self-motivation. The author contends that secondary schools neglect this function because they have no objective way to measure their effectiveness. (AM)

Surveyed parents of preschoolers about their future plans for sex education. Found most middle-class mothers and fathers expected to discuss a wide range of sexual topics and in the same general sequence. Suggests delaying discussion of value-laden topics may limit parents' effectiveness. Discusses recommendations for family practitioners.…

The Nebraska Psychiatric Institute at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine has developed a program for teaching ethics in the psychiatric clerkship. Educational objectives for the program are defined and the program content is described. Student response has been enthusiastic. (JMD)

Right-wing conservatives and religious groups have mobilized grass roots support for a campaign to eradicate sex education from schools. To meet the challenge posed by these groups, the nature of this opposition and what they are saying, must be understood. (FG)

The values education movement is inimical to the development of moral discernment and character. The moral development of students requires moral and character discernment--first, in those who teach them, and second, in the curriculum. (Author/MSE)

Using a developmental, learning-by-doing approach, teacher education must take deliberate steps to help teachers acquire the skills and understanding they need to foster the moral growth of students at all levels. (Author/MSE)

Systematic teaching of moral development in the schools is possible by developing cognitive ability to make decisions about moral problems. Piaget and Kohlberg explained that children pass through stages of moral development at an individual rate, and can be influenced by home and school environments. (JAC)

In 1977 the Hastings Center launched an extended examination of the place of ethics in American higher education. Questions studied were: extent of ethics teaching, problems introducing ethics courses, purposes of courses, faculty and student support, objections to courses, qualifications for teachers, and evaluation of ethics courses. (MLW)

Examines the debate concerning the relationship between religion and morality. (HMV)

One restructured teacher education program emphasized analysis and reflection on student, classroom, and community issues to develop students' moral decision making and critical reflection. Program graduates who discussed their beliefs and attitudes emphasized that their numerous, diverse clinical experiences, coursework, professors' influence,…

Colleges and universities can communicate expectations for students' moral, ethical, and character development through both the environment it creates and the formal curriculum, particularly through stated goals. A model of moral development provides insights into the processes needed to foster moral behavior, and the experiences of other…

Discusses whether character can be measured, describing moral development research, and noting how moral educators use many tools, types of research designs, and qualitative and quantitative methods in trying to understand moral education. The paper examines the role of moral education in the development of personal character, discussing moral…