How Moral Development Affects Classroom Management

Understanding the background of moral development begins with Jean Piaget's research. Many theories of application to classrooms exist, but once the application is achieved, better classroom management follows.

Student involvement increases moral development

Benefits

Students respect order when they have a high level of moral development according to Star Teacher. Teachers can focus less on behavioral issues and more on academic processes.

History

Selfhelp Magazine refers to studies by Jean Piaget on the moral development of children. Piaget looked at the development of moral reasoning in children and found that young children judge wrong from right by the amount of damage caused from the behavior. Older children learn instead to examine motives behind behavior.

Features

Star Teacher suggests teachers find different methods for appropriate ages. Balance in teaching moral development seems key. Engage students in their moral development. Giving students an adult opinion slightly influences students' thought processes; however, students can develop and rationalize their own ideas.

Types

Different ways to engage students include structuring a class debate after presenting a situation that requires choices. Encourage group discussions, as a group thought process is different from an individual one. Star Teacher explains that children advance from concentrating on themselves to thinking of the best for community, society and the world.

Time Frame

According to Selfhelp Magazine, Piaget and other theorists involved in moral development found children at early ages develop a sense of right and wrong. Older children around age ten begin examining motives, and this carried into adulthood. Teachers can use this knowledge to shape moral development.

References

• Selfhelp Magazine
• Star Teacher