This paper discusses the concept of character formation as it can be positively impacted by folk arts in education. A long-standing tradition in U.S. education is for the teacher to take a leading role in molding the character of young people, as outlined through the years by such scholars as Thomas Jefferson, Horace Mann, and Rachel Davis DuBois.…

Explains that the need for a regular program of moral education in Danish schools was first recognized in the 1970s. Discusses the doubts and problems which arose when practical implementations and student attitudes were considered. Examines what is, and what is not, possible in the introduction of moral education. (Author/GEA)

Presents the case for including historical fiction as an integral part of elementary social studies. Maintains that such stories are valuable tools for fostering moral understanding and growth. (JDH)

Characterizes American folk wisdom about the teaching of moral behavior. Compares the moral education offered in the Soviet Union, Japan, and India. Reviews Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development and concludes with speculations on the moral development role of religion, autonomy, and the environment. (JDH)

Examines, with power and warmth, the obiligations and achievements of social studies in meeting the moral, life-or-death crisis in which we are all involved. (JB)

Responds to Daniel R. Wilson's critique of Pekarsky's article, "Moral Dilemmas and Moral Education" (Win 1980). Pekarsky advocates using moral dilemmas to improve student ethical problem-solving skills. The practicality of conceptualization and deliberation skills developed in the classroom and the transferability of cultural values using moral…

Outlines procedure for group activity centered around an historical event. The group must perform mathematical problems in reaching a solution to a feudal community's moral dilemma. Copies of handouts are included. (KC)

Sixty years after the International Military Tribunal opened in Nuremberg to try "major war criminals", how should soldiers learn not to follow clearly illegal or unconscionable orders? Following the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, judges during the Nuremberg Trials rejected defendants' efforts to avoid punishment on the basis of…

Using cross country skiing and snowmobiling as contrasting examples of leisure activity (amusement or recreation), this article shows how to use the tenth book of Aristotle's NICHOMACHIAN ETHICS to help high school students make intelligent decisions on a variety of activities. (JDH)

This character education guide, for grades Pre-K through 12, presents field-generated, field-tested ideas for integrating character education with daily learning. The ideas are varied in design, scope, and developmental levels and range from half-hour lessons to school-wide events to year-long courses. Each unit (50 in all) is built on particular…

Suggests reasons why the type of citizenship education most appropriate for a democratic society has been inhibited in the United States. Discusses the nature of the social studies today. Recommends Lawrence P. Metcalf's approach which appears logically related to the needs of a democracy. (KO)

Because moral, value, and character education often seem marginalized in pre-service secondary social studies education courses, I sought to determine if and how moral education is addressed at the elementary level. In this article, I examine both elementary social studies methods instruction and literature through a moral education lens and argue…

Part of a series of philosophical readers, this story for elementary school children presents two characters, Kio and Gus, who are sensitive to ideas, language, and the world around them. The book consists largely of dialogue as each character narrates his/her story. In the course of a summer, Kio visits his grandfather's farm and befriends Gus,…

Discussing the effects of unethical economic behavior on young people, Schug presents suggestions for teaching about the values that are deeply rooted in our economic system. Highlighting the concepts of private property and individual responsibilities, he includes teaching ideas and a sample lesson that deals with property rights. (GEA)

Discusses the increasing need for inquiry and inductive-learning teaching techniques in the social studies. Encourages the use of values clarification, moral education techniques, and experiential learning to assist students in clarifying and constructing a positive belief system. Challenges social studies teachers to actively work toward…