What Teachers Should Know!
According to Lawrence Kohlberg's Model of Moral Development (right picture), morality is "a sense of behavioral conduct that differentiates intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good (right) and bad (wrong)." This model is an extension to Piaget's theory. During the adolescent stage, students are experiencing numerous moral dilemmas. Students are faced with peer pressure and identity development during this stage.
Choosing what's right and wrong is usually a "cloudy process" for children. Children start to build their foundation for decision making, usually regard to appearance, peer groups, and concern for their identity.
Choosing what's right and wrong is usually a "cloudy process" for children. Children start to build their foundation for decision making, usually regard to appearance, peer groups, and concern for their identity.
What's Going On?
Students are facing the following issues:
- Peer Pressure
- Risk Taking
- Finding their Identity
- Deciding what's right and wrong
- Recognizing boundaries and rules through their own experiences
- Self Control
Teachers become Support Agents!
There are several ways that teachers can help support students during their moral development stage. Most importantly, teachers should encourage and reward good conduct. Teachers should also discourage bad conduct and give explanation of what is happening and how students should act.
Teachers can discuss real world situations with students. Using the news reports and articles, for examples, are great gateways to get the juices flowing. Allow students to discuss the moral issues and ask the students what he/she would've done if in the situation.
Teachers can discuss real world situations with students. Using the news reports and articles, for examples, are great gateways to get the juices flowing. Allow students to discuss the moral issues and ask the students what he/she would've done if in the situation.