This paper compares two approaches to teaching a course on alcohol abuse to high school students. The importance of the teacher's basic personal beliefs in selecting a theme and determining the goal of the course are described in terms of the two directions a course can take, i.e., that drinking is morally wrong, or that moderate, controlled…

Among the goals of Chinese educators today are unifying education standards, extending the length of schooling to 12 years, and improving teacher quality. Moral education is being introduced into formal schooling on a large scale. Social studies courses are heavily laced with party dogma. Social studies courses are listed. (RM)

Contends that social studies suffers from a lack of a clear and solid foundation. Maintains that the principles, content, and practices of democracy should be considered as the foundation for social studies education. (CFR)

Asserts that folktales from around the world can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach about cultural traits. Discusses types of folktales and recommends instructional procedures and classroom activities. Maintains that studying folktales can increase children's awareness of moral and social issues. (CFR)

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

Explains an intervention project which was initiated in response to the apparently increasing alienation of youth from traditional social organizations, their preoccupation with self and their diminishing concern for the welfare of others. Describes this longitudinal field experiment relative to background, research design, variables measured,…

Describes a lesson plan that examines the needs and benefits of moral behavior standards that extend beyond the strictly "legal." Procedures include a guided discussion concerning legal but reprehensible actions (participating in destructive gossip). Informative handouts precede moving the discussion to a more global perspective. (MJP)

Reports on a study that examined the effects of the "Facing History and Ourselves" program on moral development and psychological functioning. Asserts that this study adds to the literature suggesting that human rights education positively affects students' moral development. (CFR)

Asserts that U.S. schools and universities are in a war over multicultural education. Presents a definition of multicultural education that emphasizes learning about the self as well as others. Contends that a broad interpretation of multicultural education would be a first step toward ending the unnecessary war over this issue. (CFR)

Over a 4-year period, researchers measured several outcomes in 5 school districts initiating or enhancing character education programs. Based on student, teacher, and administrator surveys, there was a noticeable improvement in character-related behavior. In certain districts, suspension and drop-out rates also decreased after the implementation…

This paper develops a basic conceptual framework of values and the valuing process. Section 1, Values and Value Claims, discusses the four different types of value claims (personal, market, real, and implicit) and their relationships. The second section considers the process of rational evaluation as a method of arriving at and supporting value…

This guide lists 134 colleges and universities selected as exemplars of character-building institutions. Its goal is to provide counselors, parents, and students with helpful information on the various programs that have been established to develop moral virtue and character. All 4-year accredited colleges and universities were given the…

Moral educators understand the moral and ethical complexities of their role, possess expertise in interpreting their behavior and discerning its influence on students, and act ethically within the context of professional responsibility. Teacher education programs must concentrate on addressing ethics. The case study method can be effective in…

Topics in this special journal issue are research suggesting television encourages higher behavior standards among children; processes British broadcasters use to decide what to show or not to show on television; the role of broadcasting in nonformal adult education; the influence of international television; and neglected issues regarding…

The nine essays in this book present perspectives on what is needed in character education from kindergarten to college. Two main themes run through the volume. The first is a consensus among the authors that fundamental moral standards must be passed along to the young and that educators at all levels bear the obligation to transmit these core…