So far I really like this discussion.
Personally my idea of an ideal moral education system is rather simple, help kids with self-reflection and introspection. After they get into a serious conflict with another student, wait for the dust to settle and have them spend about 20 minutes or so in a room by themselves to write out how they felt. They will be under no obligation to share this journal with anyone and no adult should ever make them feel uncomfortable for not wanting to share their feelings.
I think that in today's world we lack emotional discipline despite the fact that difficult situations, people and emotions are to be expected as a part of any person's life. So why wouldn't we try to equip our children with some meditative skills to combat anger, envy or the desire to control another person's actions?
Teaching morality can be difficult because it is a difficult word to define, however I think that appealing to simple guidelines that most people in the room can agree upon would work; such as honesty or fairness. I think that morality needs to be taught in a more hands off way, allowing kids to sort out their own ideals and morals and encouraging them to follow their conscience and be willing to stand firm in what they believe to be right.
Personally my idea of an ideal moral education system is rather simple, help kids with self-reflection and introspection. After they get into a serious conflict with another student, wait for the dust to settle and have them spend about 20 minutes or so in a room by themselves to write out how they felt. They will be under no obligation to share this journal with anyone and no adult should ever make them feel uncomfortable for not wanting to share their feelings.
I think that in today's world we lack emotional discipline despite the fact that difficult situations, people and emotions are to be expected as a part of any person's life. So why wouldn't we try to equip our children with some meditative skills to combat anger, envy or the desire to control another person's actions?
Teaching morality can be difficult because it is a difficult word to define, however I think that appealing to simple guidelines that most people in the room can agree upon would work; such as honesty or fairness. I think that morality needs to be taught in a more hands off way, allowing kids to sort out their own ideals and morals and encouraging them to follow their conscience and be willing to stand firm in what they believe to be right.
