Students' moral and prosocial development is affected not only by their family and friends but also by their school experiences. Whether you intend to or not, you will undoubtedly be teaching your students moral values as well as academic content. With this in mind:

Question

a. Describe the types of experiences that, according to researchers and theorists, are likely to help students develop morally. Within your discussion, identify three different factors that promote moral and/or prosocial development.
b. Identify a moral issue that may arise either within a specific content area you will be teaching or within the general classroom situation. Explain what you, as a teacher, might specifically do to promote moral growth as you deal with the moral issue you just identified.

Answer 1

Answers to the separate parts of the question are as follows:
a. Experiences that promote moral development include these (the response should describe at least three):
• An environment that is warm and supportive yet holds high expectations for behavior—that is, an authoritative environment (see the discussion of parenting styles near the beginning of the chapter)
• Hearing reasons why certain behaviors are unacceptable (induction); for example, becoming aware that an action causes physical pain or inconvenience for someone else
• Encountering and discussing moral issues and dilemmas
• Challenges to moral thinking (disequilibrium), especially from individuals reasoning at a slightly higher stage or level
• Exposure to diverse perspectives about topics and events
• Encouragement of perspective taking, empathy, and/or prosocial behavior
• Seeing models demonstrate moral and/or prosocial behavior
• Participation in community service activities