Comparing teachers' views on morality and moral education, a comparative study in Turkey and the United States

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Lepage P., Akar H., Temli Y., Sen D., Hasser N., Ivins I.

TEACHING AND TEACHER EDUCATION, vol.27, pp.366-375, 2011 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.tate.2010.09.005
  • Journal Name: TEACHING AND TEACHER EDUCATION
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.366-375
  • Keywords: Teacher education, Moral education, International comparison, Civic engagement, Social responsibility, Values education, Comparative education, ACHIEVEMENT, LANGUAGE, TRACKING, VALUES
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the researchers examined how K-8 teachers approach morality, moral education, and the moral development of children in Turkey and in the United States. Both countries have diverse cultures and long histories with secular education systems. Surveys were sent to teachers in nine cities in both countries. Results suggest that Turkish teachers emphasized societal values and global values, which have implications for the sustainability of the Turkish nation-state. American teachers emphasized moral action and morality in context (cultural relativity) rather than global values. Our findings emphasize the importance of inter-cultural awareness and tolerance. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.