K-12 education as an enterprise always has two main aims; to teach basic skills and knowledge and to cultivate moral citizenry. There is substantial evidence that empathy can promote morality and character development through education. To shed light on what has been done and to identify the pathways already established, a thematic review of…

This article will argue that neuroscientific insights can inform religious and spiritual education's capacity for strengthening student understanding, promoting transformation and ultimately wisdom. Among other findings, it will show that current neuroscientific research supports a holistic approach to pedagogy which emphasises the cognitive,…

Character development in higher education is a complex process. This process has often been delegated to a single course on ethics or courses on religion. The authors of this article pose an alternative higher educational process whereby character development is rooted in a series of abilities that are contextualized throughout the entire…

This paper takes as its starting point the Journal of Moral Education Special Issue (September, 2008, 37[3]) "Towards an integrated model of moral reasoning". Although explicitly post-Kohlbergian, the authors in this Special Issue do not, I argue, depart far enough from Kohlberg's impoverished notion of the role of the affective in moral life--or…

Society is in turmoil that can be termed a moral crisis the result of dogmatic materialistic worldviews. A more holistic framework for moral development based on the tripartite theory that considers cognitive, affective and conative domains and capacities is presented along with some guiding principles as an answer to the needs of the modern…

The issues involved in the incorporation of values or value processes into the social studies classroom are abundant and complex. The purpose of this article is to examine issues and alternatives. (Author/JB)

Describes a study which showed that a transgressor's affective reactions significantly influenced children's moral judgments. Children in grades 1-3 told stories in which a transgressor acted out of good or bad intent, produced low or high levels of damage, and displayed various emotions because of the outcomes he produced. (RM)

The purpose of this paper is to suggest some reasons why feelings are important to study as a part of K-12 social studies and to suggest a few ways this might be done. Reasons why feelings should be taught include the following. Knowledge of how people feel in various situations, as well as knowledge of the forces and factors which bring such…

The paper presents a summary of an integrated model of the moral agent, based on findings in philosophy, psychology, and education. The components of the model are cognition, affect, action, and community. Reasoning, the actor's emotional nature, free choice and character formation, and the development of the person within the social setting are…

To assist teachers, teacher educators, and researchers to plan instructional objectives in values education, a model is presented that synthesizes the values clarification and cognitive moral development approaches. An explanation is provided of the process and verbal approaches to values clarification, as well as a detailed explication of…

Examines how the principles and virtues of Confucianism holistically meet moral education's requirements. Discusses justice, equality, and truthfulness as Confucian principles and the character virtues (wisdom, courage, compassion, and love) necessary for living the moral life. Stresses understanding motive, arguing that the moral person desires…

The major premise of the three essays in this booklet is that moral education in the schools is and will become even more explicit and direct. Another premise is that only through education do people become moral; ethical behavior arises neither from psychological predetermination nor from instinct. New approaches to moral education are necessary…

Written for use with videotaped versions of the stories "Walking with Grandfather" and "Great Wolf and Little Mouse Sister," this guide presents 20 lessons that teachers can adapt for students of various ages and use in integrated units or other curriculum approaches. The introductory material describes the use and philosophy of the video stories,…

Designed as a text for high school students and adults, this illustrated book presents ethical concepts and teachings of Native societies throughout North America concerning the nature and possibilities of human existence. The final component of a course in self-discovery and development, the book begins with the legend of the "Sacred Tree"…

Learning activities and background information are featured in this guide to a program of self-exploration and development suitable for high school students or adults. Introductory material explains the philosophy of the curriculum, which approaches alcohol and drug abuse prevention among Native people by presenting a code of ethics, ideals, and…