The author argues that moral behavior can be developed by instructional strategies that are primarily cognitive in nature. These strategies include the teacher telling, explaining, or arguing; and students being encouraged to identify, discuss, and analyze ethical issues. (Author/RM)

The author argues that moral behavior cannot be developed by instructional strategies that are primarily cognitive in nature. Encouraging students to (1) analyze and clarify their own values and behavior and those of others and (2) evaluate different values and/or solutions to moral problems will not make anyone more moral. (Author/RM)

The Association for Values Education and Research (AVER) is an interdisciplinary group of researchers located at the University of British Columbia. Focuses on the competencies necessary for a morally educated person and the teaching/learning units that have been developed in order to expose students to values issues. (Editor/RK)

The problems of values education relevance, methods, and evaluation are discussed in a series of seven articles. (MB)

Visitors to the Vermont state park system were surveyed to define a range of environmental behavior, ethics, and values. Data were used to develop principles for designing park environmental education programs. Findings suggest that such programs should emphasize points of commonality among visitors, present environmental messages through diverse…

Discussion of conflicts arising within the professional responsibility/conduct of college faculty focuses on problems associated with use of norms to guide behavior. It is suggested that dissenting conduct is a central professional norm for academics, closely connected to the university's purpose, and that academic freedom provides a defense of…

Describes the reaction of the scientific community to the issue of responsible conduct in research. Cites the importance of professional standards and ethical values in scientific disciplines and explains that these are not readily learned from observation alone but must be addressed consciously. (DDR)

Researchers say that kids seldom practice what character education programs preach. In real-life situations, students often act as though they have never learned about honesty, sharing, and cooperation. Some experts call for authentic, fundamental changes in the ways schools operate. To become grounded in basic values, students must see good…

The incidence of cheating and lying on an experimental measure was examined from a sample of high school students who attended either a religious (Catholic) or a secular (public) school. Student surveys indicated that the groups were similar in moral reasoning level and in lying and cheating behavior. Level of moral reasoning was not correlated…

Notes that inclusive education is central to contemporary discourse on special needs education. Examines difficulties in allowing the concept to be a key organizing principle for educational provision. Argues that setting aside preoccupation with inclusion would result in a clearer focus on core educational values and student learning and…

Examines the moral atmosphere of athletic teams to athletes' self-described likelihood to be aggressive (SLA). Reports athletes indicated they would be more aggressive if they thought their coach supported such behavior. Argues the findings show that the influence of others can shape the moral atmosphere operating on youth sports teams. (CAJ)

Discusses the issue of whether sex between mentally retarded individuals is morally permissable, and if so, under what conditions. Argues that mutual consent has unacceptable consequences for the mentally retarded. Specifies conditions where caregivers can grant permission for sexual activity. Describes the implications for future professionals'…

Investigated development of reasoning about the teaching of values in school and family contexts among 8-, 10-, and 13-year olds and college students. Found that children and young adults' reasoning is multifaceted and distinguishes between moral values that reflect justice, rights, and moral character traits and other forms of desirable…

Describes a course about the Holocaust that is taught through the psychology department. Explains that the team-taught course, "The Holocaust, Social Prejudice, and Morality," is also relevant to public health. States that the topics include but are not limited to stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, and the language of domination…

Examines the strategy of using moral dilemmas and role-play to increase empathy in the elementary classroom. Addresses specific aspects of: (1) formal and informal observations; (2) informal interviews; (3) appropriate stories; (4) presentation methods; (5) large and small group discussions; and (6) closing techniques such as creative writing…