Following a brief history of the church's role in Swedish education, the author explains the expanded Swedish definition of moral education, which includes the socialization process as a whole. Current objectives, research projects, curriculum developments, and church activities are discussed, as are parent and teacher education programs. (SJL)

The current status of the United States as an "immoral" society has a direct correlation to the lack of serious attention given to moral education in the classroom. Morality, and what constitutes morality education, is a topic of concern for parents as well as educators. Morality, as a term, incorporates the social, economic, and…

This essay considers Jean Jacques Rousseau's conception of history in "Emile" and its relationship to Rousseau's educational curriculum. History is, for Rousseau, at the heart of the curriculum and is one of the chief instruments for imparting knowledge of the world and encouraging moral behavior. (PP)

Lawrence Kohlberg's empirical research does not, in itself, justify the claim that his higher stages of moral development are more adequately moral than lower stages; consequently, using Kohlbergian interventions to promote student development through these stages is unjustified. Empirical research, while necessary for planning and executing…

Some of the major changes and trends in ethical philosophy and ethics teaching are illustrated through an analysis of ethics primers. Changes in the field of ethics and in the development of moral awareness are reflected in the development of ethics primers. (JN)

A total of 59 studies were reviewed, 33 focusing on values clarification and 26 on moral development. The research on values clarification indicated that little or no confidence is warranted regarding its potential curricular effectiveness. However, the research base for the moral development approach indicated that cautious optimism is…

Fourteen moral judgment intervention studies are reviewed and evaluated to address two questions: "Is it possible to stimulate moral judgment development in an educational setting?" and "Does the Defining Issues Test index such moral judgment changes?" These studies affirm the second question. Half of them produced significant…

Describes a method for helping students evaluate ethical issues in a systematic way, based on Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development. Recommends the case-study approach for creating social constructs in which students face ethical dilemmas, and outlines a case-study ethics unit using Kohlberg's model. (MM)

Discusses an evolutionary approach to human morality. Emphasizes the rapid development of brain weight, neural circuits, and synaptic systems during early childhood. Concludes that the human brain has resources for generating responsible, caring behavior but must be nurtured and educated. Urges that moral training in a proper social climate be…

Summarizes arguments for and against teaching ethics within science education, and clarifies what might be the several aims of teaching ethics in science. Discusses how ethics instruction might be incorporated into the science curriculum. (Contains 120 references.) (WRM)

A research-based pedagogy which emphasizes shared democratic values holds promise for promoting unity while accommodating diversity in American society. This literature review explores the role of educators in instilling democratic values that are embodied in the "American Creed": freedom, equality, justice, and human dignity for all…

This guide provides volunteer hunter-education instructors with background information on subjects related to hunter education. A major goal of hunter education is to develop an environmental ethic among outdoorsmen, based on a deeper understanding of the natural world. Chapter 1 clarifies terms frequently used within the broad context of outdoor…

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…

Notes that 57 percent of West German teachers who responded to a survey believed it was difficult to transmit values to students and indicated the high degree of social differentiation in an industrial society promoted social fragmentation. Argues values education should not be the sole responsibility of the school but shared by the entire…

Reports on a study of the effect of community service on 71 undergraduate students. Finds that community service work combined with discussion of relevant moral issues is an effective way of moving students into the postconventional stage of principled moral reasoning. Discusses other benefits of community service work. (CFR)