The intention of the analysis in this paper was to determine, from interviews with 11 early years' teachers, what informed their knowledge of children's learning and teaching strategies regarding moral development. Overall, the analysis revealed four main categories: definitions of moral behaviour, understanding of children's learning, pedagogy…

How children make meaning of their own social experiences in situations involving moral issues is central to their subsequent affective and cognitive moral learning. Our study of young children's narratives describing their interpersonal conflicts shows that the emotions and judgments constructed in the course of these real-life narratives differ…

Using social-cognitive domain theory and social identity theory, tolerance judgments of practices by Muslim actors among Dutch adolescents (12-17) were investigated. The findings for Study 1 (N = 180) demonstrated that participants evaluated 4 practices using different types of reasons: personal, social-conventional, and moral. In Study 2 (N =…

The consequences of Watergate for children, their education, and their ethical and moral commitment is discussed in terms of the child's development of moral judgment, and in terms of the practical issues of how values are transmitted from one generation to another. (Author/AM)

Discusses the Defining Issues Test as an invaluable tool for research and practice in moral education. Explains that because such instruments are based upon previous developmental research, they are unsuitable for research on moral development. Argues that these measures stand in the way of generating new knowledge. (CAJ)

Argues that Stephen Greenspan's comment is incoherent and that Mal Leichester and Pam Cooke's position has unacceptable practical consequences. Cautions that their positions have disquieting implications for the practice of treating mental retardation as an exempting condition; and the practice of giving them special welfare rights loses their…

Argues that Ben Spiecker and Jan Steutel's use of the term mental retard is offensive and using either the United Kingdom terminology of learning disabled or the internationally accepted term intellectually disabled are more acceptable. Addresses rights of the learning disabled to sexual freedom. Considers implications of these issues for moral…

Lawrence Kohlberg, a psychologist, coined the term "Just Community" to describe a community built on trust and resolution, in which each member participates democratically in the development of the rules and regulations that govern their community life (Kohlberg, 1985). In a school, this means that students and teachers alike actively participate…

Reviews research on the effect of school climate on the social development of early adolescents and on three curricular programs (values clarification, moral development, and cooperative learning). Concludes that schools can positively influence socio-moral development through non-traditional schooling, i.e., open and democratic environments,…

Critiques Larry Nucci's argument that for many religious believers, religion and morality cannot be separated. Believes that morality is only weakly independent from religion. Argues that moral education in U.S. public schools needs curricula that help students explore and understand moral rationales and motivations from various cultural and…

Investigates teachers views of forgiveness and institutional pardon for conflict resolution at school. Asks questions related to forgiveness and forgiving. Shows that teachers endorse forgiveness as social expectation, a humanitarian, moral response to conflicts at conventional levels. Argues that teachers do notperceive forgiveness as related to…

Reviews theories which link college attendance and moral judgment. Evaluation is made on basis of longitudinal, experimental, correlational, educational, and life experience studies. The theories of generalized understanding, intellectual stimulation, and generalized learning are found to be more plausible than simple age/maturation,…

Argues that resistance and subversion are part of life and integral to development in most cultures. Notes that many theories of social and moral development do not account for resistance or view it as anti-social. Demonstrates that social conflict and resistance based on moral aims occur in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. (CAJ)

Critiques a set of children's books that focus on moral, social, and civic issues. All of the titles offer concrete examples of critical thinking and steer clear of agenda-based politics. Includes nonfiction, anthologies, and curriculum guides. (MJP)

Analyzes and critiques several theoretical assumptions concerning moral education. Maintains that current theoretical approaches contain such a broad variation that they lack practical application. The singular focus on individuals and their interactions presents another problem. Advocates reformulating theoretical concepts to address these…