The autumn conference of the Vermont Council on the Humanities focused on discussions about Allan Bloom's book, "The Closing of the American Mind," and his call for Americans to return to fundamental questions of the nature of man and society. The Council also runs book discussion groups in local libraries. (MLW)

The life of British feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain demonstrates that an attempt to understand the relationship between personal experience and political activities should take account of the following: (1) the centrality of political values in an individual's identity; (2) the individual's life stage and life history; and (3) the individual's…

Documents the struggle between American Froebelians and progressives to dominate kindergarten education in theory and practice from 1860-1920. The author compares the basic tenets of each group and assesses the consequences of the progressive victory in the battle for control of the curriculum. (Author/DB)

The role assumed by public schools in teaching affective subjects is discussed. It is argued that public schools have become scapegoats through their incapability of teaching such subjects as sex and drug education, moral development, and values clarification--subjects which should be the responsibility of the family and church. (FG)

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)

Schools should continue to teach values now that traditional institutions (church, family) have less impact on children. Although some new techniques have concerned parents, it is the school's responsibility to teach the secular value system which is an outgrowth of the religious values of our nation's founders. (AV)

Examines three areas of Lawrence Kohlberg's work and suggests that this information might have future application in the field of moral development. Discusses the cognitive model underlying morality, the exploration of other psychological constructs of morality, and the new approaches to moral education. (KO)

Outlines theoretical issues associated with the presupposition that sociocognitive features of maturity can potentially generate worthwhile learning. Reviews recent research into the impact of adult-education-certified courses on mature students' sense of identity that supports claims for continued adult learning. Links are made to lifelong moral…

Ponders where religion fits into public education and whether religious corporations should be kept out of public schools. Concludes that the moral principles found in religion should be taught through exploration of world religions only if the instruction is informed and adheres to ultimate principles and values by which to live. (CMK)

This paper describes the content, techniques, and benefits of a life history course, which was designed to extend the traditional goal of psychological development through autobiography into a spiritual context. The three major components of the course are described. The format of the lectures is presented, focusing on concepts, ideas, and tools…

The importance of increasing the number of religious leaders and the roles of the seminary and church are considered. Religious leadership is needed to respond to widespread alienation in all sectors of society as well as to many institutions' inability or unwillingness to serve society. The leader needs three intellectual abilities: a sense for…

This section, from a larger report describing a project designed to systematically investigate how religious and traditional values are represented in today's public school curricula, presents a critical evaluation of the two most discussed and influential models of moral education operating in the United States today. Both of these models have…

This booklet is designed to introduce the reader to Values Education. Its purpose is to provide the teacher with those techniques and methods necessary to make values an integral part of any curriculum. The goal is to re-orient the learning experience, making it more meaningful for all concerned. A commitment to this end is necessary if this goal…

Three questions were addressed in this study: 1) What are the levels of relationships among level of moral development, attitudes toward teaching and role specific self-concept in a group of entering teacher education candidates? 2) What differences exist between elementary and secondary candidates in areas of moral development, teacher attitudes…