Moral decisions often involve dilemmas: cases of conflict between competing obligations. In two studies (N = 204), we ask whether children appreciate that reasoning through dilemmas involves acknowledging that there is no single, simple solution. In Study 1, 5- to 8-year-old US children were randomly assigned to a Moral Dilemma condition, in which…

Representative samples of curriculum development in social studies are presented based on a model designed to involve students actively in both the historical and dilemma-solving processes. (MJB)

The theory and application of teaching moral education in the classroom are discussed. (KM)

Kohlberg's interpretation of moral choice is criticized. The alternative view proposed locates Kohlberg's conception of moral choice as a stage in a larger process of moral deliberation that has a progressive structure. How deficiencies of the Kohlberg approach can be remedied is suggested. (Author/RM)

Although cognitive developmentalists explain moral stage progression in part by experiences of disequilibrium (cognitive disorganization, confusion, an anxious search for order), relevant data collected from 75 college students indicate that there is no difference in reported disequilibrium between those in moral transition and those not in moral…

As middle managers in the educational enterprise, principals are pressured by groups with goals at odds with their own. After attempting to resolve three thorny ethical dilemmas, one female principal realized that conflicts are more often caused by superiors and government agencies than by students, parents, and teachers. The question arises: is…

Stages of moral reasoning through which children develop, as researched by developmental psychologists Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg, are outlined in the introduction of this paper. The six stages are defined and exemplified by the moral issue of the value of human life. The developmental model, as it is argued, is suitable for instruction in…

This practicum was designed to provide K-6 grade children with peace making tools. The curriculum was piloted in a public school for one year. The goal was to teach children how to make peace with themselves and with others. The writer used a combination of strategies in the curriculum to meet the needs of the children; provided self-esteem…

Presents a dilemma situation with a real conflict for the central characters, two conflicting values or moral issues, and is intended to generate disagreement among students about the appropriate action to be taken. A teacher's guide is included. (Author/SA)

Moral choice for educational administrators involves using conventional democratic principles as well as postconventional actions grounded in principles valued by administrators that are not covered by conventional morality. Presents two case studies involving the application of democratic principles and the formation of independent judgment in…

The Rating Ethical Content System (RECS) was developed for adults, but the question remains whether children can recognize moral themes in media with the same competency as adults. The current study aims to test a modified version of the existing scale (RECS-K) for use by children in order to determine whether children can recognize ethical…

Presents a two-day lesson from the Alberta (Canada) Education Curriculum for upper elementary or middle school students designed to explore ethical decisions when confronted with value conflicts. Outlines goals, materials, and procedures. Indicates instructional objectives are analysis of conflicts in terms of moral and ethical values; and…

An enhanced form of Aggression Replacement Training is being used with children and youth with autism spectrum disorder and particularly those with Asperger's Syndrome who present behavioural challenges. Initial results in a Norwegian centre indicate that, with some modifications and enhancements, the programme is an appropriate strategy for…