The status of religious education in Nigerian schools is described with discussion of relationships between religious and moral education in general. The author concludes that there is a strong link between morality and religious education and that it is the duty of religious education teachers to ensure that religious education effectively…

In an attempt to clarify the confusion about the teaching of morality in the classroom, the author discusses the distinction between the concepts of morality and convention. Young children can distinguish between rules and moral principles, and successful moral discussion is more likely to occur in classrooms employing cooperative goal structures.…

Keynote address at the LIASF Annual Conference on Law Focused Education, February 25 - 27, 1972, Chicago. Goals of law education in the schools are: (1) Learning moral reasoning or ethical analysis, (2) An appreciation of the legal process, and (3) Information about the law. Methods of instruction and achievement of desired goals are discussed.…

Stories can help teachers give children models and mores for reflection and growth. This article suggests specific books that deal with lying and provides guidelines for class discussion. (IAH)

Reviews and compares 10 character education programs, their objectives, pedagogy, and research, revealing their highly diverse theoretical assumptions and pedagogical practices. It suggests that emerging research in the field offers the hopeful promise that theory and practice may be advanced in a systematic manner. (GR)

Describes a comprehensive model of classroom character education in the following components: the teacher as caregiver, model, and mentor; the caring classroom environment; moral discipline; the democratic classroom environment; values instruction through the curriculum; cooperative learning; the conscience of the craft; ethical reflection; and…

Considers the role of the Great Lessons--formation of the universe, evolution of life, evolution of humans, and discovery of language and mathematics--in the Montessori elementary curriculum. Discusses how the Great Lessons guide and organize the curriculum, as well as the timing of the lessons across the 6-12 age span. (JPB)

Because of problem behavior in society ranging from impoliteness to violence, character education for students has become a relevant topic. This paper asserts that character education for elementary students can be useful and discusses implementation of character education. The paper suggests that teachers should choose worthwhile goals for such…

Urges teachers and community leaders to come together to decide how schools can be "restructured in their core elements--grades, sports, teacher-pupil relations--to make them sources of ethical conduct rather than training grounds for cheating and coping with arbitrary authority". Also warns that early reading can suppress the creative…

Examines directions in the "peer helper" movement with special emphasis on its potential role in the elementary school. Lists three aspects for evaluating peer counseling programs: assessment of self as helper, assessment of knowledge and skills used in the process, and assessment of outcome. Reviews benefits of program. (Author/ABB)

Researchers analyzed the responses of second-, fourth-, and sixth-grade students who read three fables, and traced the relationship between grade level and stage of moral development. The children reflected different stages of moral development. The use of fables to elicit responses to moral questions is discussed. (PP)

Examined the usefulness of two models of affective or values education: Kohlberg's Cognitive-Development Model and Gordon's Effectiveness Training Model. After completing the Kohlberg program elementary school students (N=178) tended to verbalize higher stages of moral reasoning. Gains in self-esteem were higher among Effectiveness Training…

Critiquing Skinner's and Kohlberg's moral development theories as inadequate, the author asserts that affective development (compassion, empathy, caring) is necessary to moral action. While saying that schools are limited in their ability to provide moral education, he outlines qualities of an educational environment which could facilitate moral…

Discusses how the book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" (Stephen Covey), can be used in the elementary school to teach character education using an informal approach in a school-wide effort. Relates the seven habits to the book, "Swimmy" (Leo Lioni). Includes a trade books list and the habit(s) each address. (CMK)

Provides background information on the Nahshon School, a small Reform Jewish day school. Describes the ways in which the Nahshon School implements a vision of caring. Considers school philosophy, curriculum, and rituals, teachers as role models, and how the school evaluates its progress. Addresses obstacles facing the school. (CMK)