Describes a study that showed that the role-taking ability of third-grade children increases their disposition to behave altruistically. Twenty four children were given role-taking tests and their social behavior was observed over a two-month period. (RM)

This study of seventh-grade girls replicated a 1975 Blatt and Kohlberg study. Experimental subjects received a ten-week moral education program; controls discussed nonmoral issues in English class. Results indicated that the moral education program, even in this brief time period, increased moral judgment. (Author/SJL)

This study investigated whether the politics of gay rights have affected school district programs regarding sexual orientation. Data from school districts nationwide indicate that most school districts are not offering recommended program elements related to sexual orientation issues. Districts within localities with gay rights protection are…

Finds that eighth grade students in Facing History and Ourselves classrooms show increases in relationship maturity and decreases in racist attitudes and self-reported fighting behavior relative to comparison students. Reports that the gains made by Facing History students in moral reasoning and in civic attitudes and participation were not…

Draws an analogy between Kohlberg and Socrates in the substance and procedure of moral education from a societal perspective. (Author/BB)

Analysis of ethics courses' syllabi from accredited marriage and family therapy training programs showed that accredited programs are making an effort to teach about ethical dilemmas, legalities, and professional issues. These topics varied in treatment across syllabi and may more accurately reflect the professor's worldviews than external…

Presents results of a study designed to promote social justice by teaching English primary school children about social discrimination. Confirms evidence that children aged 7 to 11 can recognize unfair discrimination against oppressed groups. Suggests children will recognize discrimination even without reference to oppressed groups. (DK)

The Moral and Social Action Interdisciplinary Colloquium (MOSAIC) is an international multidisciplinary network of scholars working within the fields of the philosophy, psychology and sociology of moral development, moral education and moral thought. MOSAIC runs an annual conference, traditionally in June or July. This conference attracts an…

Independent schools have traditionally held the view that education must address the whole person, not only the intellectual, artistic, and physical dimensions of life but also the fourth dimension, the spiritual or religious dimension. The spiritual dimension has a place in school life, and character development or moral education is primarily…

Using a research approach founded on explicit normative assumptions about the social goals of education, and proceeding from the hypothesis that lifelong socialization largely determines an administrator's capability, this paper analyzes the experiences of one "good" principal. Following an initial discussion of educators' attitudes toward…

Children in five second grade classrooms were exposed to an educational intervention designed to facilitate their moral development. Compared to a control group, they showed statistically significant growth in the following variables: role taking, intentionality, positive justice, punishment and donating behavior. Correlational analyses revealed…

A survey of dental schools in 1980 showed that 13 of the 55 responding schools provided no formal instruction in ethics. The status of instruction in dental ethics in 1986 is discussed. Survey data showed that schools providing ethics instruction often confused law, jurisprudence, and avoidance of malpractice with ethics. (MLW)

Reviews studies examining differences in moral schema development, using techniques that range from measuring implicit knowledge (such as the defining issues test) and explicit knowledge (such as with the moral judgment interview). Finds significant differences in the comprehension of moral narratives based on age/education and level of expertise.…

Describes a survey sent to 210 member schools of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) concerning attitudes toward obstacles to teaching ethics in public administrations courses. Lists 10 barriers preventing the offering of such courses in colleges and universities. (NL)

Asserts that, among the concerns in recent research in moral development, has been the steps involved in moral judgment stage development. Reports on a study of 490 college students and adults on the primary perspective-taking factors associated within the transition to mature moral judgment. (CFR)