Understanding Moral Development

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Understanding moral development is essential for educators, as it enables them to fulfil their role in shaping students' ethical growth. By grasping the intricacies of moral development, educators can create a nurturing environment that fosters students' moral reasoning and character formation (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977). It equips them to address moral dilemmas, guide students' decision-making, and model positive values. Through this understanding, educators can effectively nurture students' moral compass, promoting responsible and ethical behaviour that extends beyond the classroom, shaping their lives, and contributing positively to society.

My feelings on moral development

I often feel a deep sense of responsibility and concern for the moral development of my adolescent students. Adolescence is a critical period when individuals are forming their identities and values, and I understand the impact I can have on shaping their moral compass (Saleh & Mazarin, 2022). Empathy is a prevalent emotion I experience, as I empathize with my students' struggles and dilemmas as they navigate ethical challenges (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977; Prioste et al., 2015). I try to grasp the complexities and pressures that adolescents face in today's society. Alongside empathy, I also feel a sense of hope regarding my students' potential for growth and moral reasoning. Recognizing adolescence as a time of immense development, I believe that my guidance can contribute positively to their moral character. However, there are moments of frustration when I encounter resistance or indifference from students regarding moral issues. Engaging students with different perspectives or who seem disinterested in ethical discussions can be a challenge. Nevertheless, I find great satisfaction and fulfilment when I witness my students demonstrating moral growth and engaging in prosocial behaviours. Seeing them make ethical choices and show empathy is truly rewarding. On the other hand, concern arises when students exhibit moral distress or engage in morally questionable behaviours. I worry about the long-term implications for their well-being and the potential impact they may have on the broader school community. Thus, I fully recognize the importance of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes moral development. I aim to create opportunities for meaningful discussions, encourage critical thinking, and provide guidance to help my adolescents develop a strong moral identity. I understand that my role extends beyond academic instruction and that I have a unique opportunity to shape the ethical and moral foundations of my students' lives.

How can educators help students develop a healthy moral identity?

Educators can help students develop a healthy moral identity by modelling and reinforcing positive moral values such as respect, empathy, fairness, and integrity. They can create a classroom environment that facilitates open and respectful discussions about moral issues, encouraging critical thinking and the development of students' moral reasoning abilities. Educators can also promote empathy and perspective-taking by providing opportunities for students to understand and appreciate the experiences and feelings of others through activities like role-playing and community service projects (Prioste et al., 2015). By incorporating moral education into the curriculum, educators can help students connect academic learning with ethical considerations, addressing moral issues explicitly (Gui et al., 2020). Additionally, educators can encourage self-reflection and personal value exploration, guiding students in understanding their own values and aligning their behaviours with their core principles. Through these approaches, educators play a vital role in supporting students' development of a healthy moral identity.

An educator’s role in shaping adolescents’ moral development

The role of an educator in shaping adolescents' moral development is multifaceted and crucial. Firstly, educators provide explicit instruction on moral values, ethical principles, and social norms, helping students understand the implications of their actions and develop a sense of right and wrong (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977). Secondly, educators serve as role models by demonstrating moral behaviour in their interactions with students and others, inspiring students to adopt similar values and behaviours (Narinasamy & Logeswaran, 2015). Moreover, educators create a supportive classroom environment that fosters open dialogue, respect for diverse perspectives, and the free expression of ideas, allowing students to explore and discuss moral issues without fear. They also facilitate moral discussions and critical thinking exercises, providing a platform for students to engage with different viewpoints and develop independent moral reasoning skills. Lastly, educators collaborate with parents and the community to reinforce moral values and ensure a consistent message about ethical behaviour, creating a unified support system that strengthens positive moral development (Prioste et al., 2015). Through these various roles, educators have a profound impact on shaping adolescents' moral development and preparing them for responsible and ethical decision-making.

In conclusion, educators play a vital and multifaceted role in shaping adolescents' moral development. They have the power to model positive moral values, facilitate meaningful discussions, promote empathy and perspective-taking, incorporate moral education into the curriculum, and encourage self-reflection and personal value exploration. Thus, my thought question is, "What strategies can educators employ to handle moral conflicts and ethical dilemmas in the classroom?"

 

 

References

Gui, A. K. W., Yasin, M., Abdullah, N. S. M., & Saharuddin, N. (2020, March). Roles of Teacher and Challenges in Developing Students’ Morality. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(3C), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081606

Kohlberg, L., & Hersh, R. H. (1977). Moral development: A review of the theory. Theory into Practice, 16(2), 53–59. https://academic.udayton.edu/jackbauer/Readings%20595/Kohlberg%2077%20his%20theory%20copy.pdf

Narinasamy, I., & Logeswaran, A. K. (2015, October 28). Teacher As Moral Model – Are We Caring Enough? World Journal of Education, 5(6). https://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v5n6p1

Prioste, A., Narciso, I., Gonc¸alves, M., & Pereira, C. (2015). Family relations and parenting practices: A pathway to adolescents’ collectivist and individualist values? Journal of Child and Family Studies. https://repositorio.ul.pt/bitstream/10451/15917/1/ICS_CRPereira_Family_ARI.pdf

Saleh, Z., & Mazarin, J. (2022). The Overview and Importance of Adolescence Identity Development. Study.com. Retrieved from https://study.com/learn/lesson/developing-identity-adolescence-overview-social-factors-importance.html