Government
Spending & Social Problems (U.S. from 1960Ð1990)
500% increase in spending on social problems
¥Violent crime rose 500%
¥Births outside marriage rose 400%
¥Divorce rose 400%
¥Children living in single parent homes rose 300%
¥Teenage suicides rose 200%
Source:William Bennett, speech ÒSearch for A New World CultureÓ to conference, Washington, D.C., Apr 23, 1997
Traditional Role of Education
1.Passing on knowledge and cultural values
2.Teaching moral standards and social responsibilities
3.Preparing good citizens
U.S. Education Ð
Founded with Moral Purposes
Morality and knowledge considered essential to a good society
1.Schools actively promoted good character and citizenship
2.Earliest universities Ð Established by religious organizations
¥Harvard
¥Yale
¥Georgetown
1960s Ð Breakdown
of Traditional Values
1.Decline of adult moral authority
2.Rise of selfish individualism and moral relativism
Explosion of Destructive
Youth Behavior Since 1940s
1940s School Problems
1.Talking out of turn
2.Chewing gum
3.Making noise
4.Running indoors
5.Getting out of line
6.Improper clothing
7.Littering
1990s School Problems
1.Drug abuse
2.Alcohol abuse
3.Pregnancy
4.Suicide
5.Rape
6.Robbery
7.Assault
Source:William J. Bennett et al., Index of Leading Cultural indicators, Empower America, Mar. 1993
Characteristics of
ÒNon-DirectiveÓ Education
4.Rejects the authority of traditional moral teaching
5. Undermines the parentsÕ role in education
Early Appeal of
Non-Directive Education
1.Used interactive methodology
2.Supported by the science of its time
3.Coincided with the loss of confidence in traditional values
4.Seemed to promote tolerance
Interactive Methodology
1.Participatory, not didactic
2.Engages students as agents in their own learning
3.Draws out studentsÕ knowledge & experience
U.S. Policy Recognizes Limitations of Non-Directive Methods
Rejects Òopen-ended decision-making, values clarification and therapeuticÉ strategiesÓ in drug abuse education
Source:U.S. Dept. of Education guidelines for drug prevention education, 1988
Mandates federal funding for directive abstinence-oriented sex education
Source:Act of Congress, 1996
Why Moral & Ethical
Education Was Neglected
1.Rise of moral relativism
¥All values subjective
2.Increasing pluralism
¥Unclear whose values should be taught
3.Confusion that teaching values was promoting religion
Part 2.
Why Give Priority
to Moral & Ethical Education?
Moral & Ethical Education
Recognizes Universal Values
ÒThe greater our material power, the greater our need for the spiritual insight and virtue to use our power for good and not evilÉWe have never been adequate spiritually for handling our material power; and today the morality gap isÉgreater than it has ever been in any previous age.Ó
Source:Arnold Toynbee British Historian, ÔCivilization on Trial
Two Dimensions of Values
ÒCharacter is destiny.Ó
Heraclitus, Greek philosopher
Part 3.
What Is a
Balanced Education?
Philosophy & Science
of Education
Philosophy of Education
Purpose
Ideals
Goals
Science of Education
Curriculum
Methods
Administration
Good Character
Inner disposition conducive to right conduct
¥Attitudes and habits
¥For the purpose of loving
Cultivation of Heart
1.Cultivation of moral feeling
¥Empathy
¥Loving motivation
¥Love of goodness
2.Learning through experiences of love
¥Gaining the capacity to love through family life
3.Training in good character
¥Develop self-control
¥Strengthen the conscience
4.Internalizing moral standards
5.Valuing people and respecting things
First Goal of Education
Education in
Ethical Standards
1.Understanding the standards for good relationships
2.Fulfilling family roles & responsibilities
3.Training in behavior, attitudes and manners
¥Creating harmony
Throughout history...education has had two great goals: To help young people to become smart and...become good.Ó
Source:Dr. Thomas Lickona, ÔEducating for Character
Morals Goal — Loving Relationships & Family
Strong marriages
Effective parenting
Ethical practice
living for higher purpose
