Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 1
Who was Lawrence Kohlberg?
Lawrence Kohlberg was a Jewish American psychologist who researched on moral education and reasoning. He is renowned for his stages of moral development theory. He is regarded as one of twentieth century’s most prominent psychologists.
Meaning of Moral Development
Moral development refers to the gradual development of an individual’s concept of wrong or right, religious values, conscience, social attitudes, and behavior. Kohlberg’s moral development includes three levels, namely the post-conventional, conventional, and preconventional level, which are divided into six stages.
The importance of Kohlberg’s theory in Teaching
The importance of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development in teaching is as follows:
- It enables teachers to understand the different levels of moral understanding of learners.
- It enables teachers to give proper guidance to students about their moral behavior.
- It allows teachers to help learners respect others and develop feelings of cooperation for others.
- It helps teachers to develop and promote good moral values in children so that they can become the best version of themselves.
- It promotes a constructive and positive learning environment where the growth of children is fostered.
- It helps children achieve optimal moral values so that they can become responsible members of society.
- It prevents children from going the wrong way and helps them make right decisions which are good for them.
Conclusion
Kohlberg’s moral development theory helps people to avoid acting on their urges and helps them decide what is right and what is wrong.
