Education in the Moral Domain

Illustrates how domain theory may be used as a basis for social and moral education.

Larry P. Nucci (Author)

9780521655491, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 May 2001

264 pages, 1 b/w illus. 3 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

'With Education in the Moral Domain, Nucci draws together 25 years of his research so clearly and helpfully that this is bound to become the first place to which students and practitioners are directed for an account of the domain approach to moral education.' Journal of Moral Education

This book brings together the results of 25 years of research on the domain theory of social cognitive development. On the basis of that research - which shows that morality is a domain distinct from other social values - the author provides concrete suggestions for creating a moral classroom climate, dealing with student discipline, and integrating moral values within the curriculum. Among questions addressed are: Is morality a set of rules we acquire like any other? Are there universal aspects to morality, or is it culture specific? Is there such a thing as moral character? How best can teachers make use of our knowledge about children's moral and social growth in their everyday classroom practices? Integrated answers to these questions result in a comprehensive approach that does not reduce moral education to a process of induction or inculcation, but rather harnesses children's intrinsic motivation to comprehend and master their social worlds.

Part I. The Nature of Morality and the Development of Social Values: 1. Morality and domains of social knowledge
2. Morality and religious rules
3. Morality and the personal domain
4. Morality in context: issues of development
5. Morality in context: issues of culture
6. Morality and emotion
7. Reconceptualizing moral character
Part II. Classroom Applications: 8. Creating a moral atmosphere
9. Integrating values education into the curriculum: a domain approach
10. Fostering the moral self
Conclusion: keeping things in perspective
Additional resources.

Subject Areas: Child & developmental psychology [JMC]