EDUCATORʼS RESOURCE GUIDE - Learning Seed

Program Summary
This program explores the topic of moral development and how it impacts human behavior. We describe the theories of
Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, Carol Gilligan, Albert Bandura, and Elliot Turiel. We also explain the concept of theory of
mind. Examining moral dilemmas helps us to understand how children develop in the moral domain as they mature.
Viewers see examples of how children of various ages will typically answer moral dilemmas and how adults can guide the
moral development of children.
Unit Teaching points:
1. Moral development is the process through which individuals develop attitudes and behaviors toward others.
2. Morals are based on social and cultural norms, rules and laws.
3. A lack of moral development can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including socially unacceptable
behavior, academic issues, inability to make friends, alcohol and drug problems, and criminality.
4. Piagetʼs theory of moral development is characterized by a transition from heteronomous to autonomous moral
thinking.
5. Lawrence Kohlberg expanded on Piagetʼs work. His theory has stages through which people progress, but the
process is gradual and has more transitions.
6. Elliot Turiel used domain theory to explain childrenʼs moral development, their adherence to social conventions, and
their views of themselves and others.
7. Albert Banduraʼs theory asserts that most human behavior is learned through modeling.
8. Theory of mind relates to the ability to see the world from another personʼs perspective -- something that very young
children cannot do.
9. Understanding moral development can help adults to better guide childrenʼs behavior.
Related Learning Seed Programs: !
Guiding Behavior In Early Childhood: A Positive Plan for Discipline and Caregiving
Disciplining Kids: Without Screaming and Scolding
Rules, Rituals, Routines
A Child's Mind: How Kids Learn Right & Wrong
4 Copyright 2011 Learning Seed