Question 1
Contrast Piaget's and Kohlberg's theories of moral development. In your answer, describe a few of the critiques of these theories.Question 2
Select a challenging condition discussed in the chapter which has the potential to lead to peer rejection. Describe this disorder and its possible causes. Discuss two steps a teacher could take to promote peer acceptance of a child with this disorder.Answer 1
Suggested Responses: Students should describe these authors' theories accurately. Emphasis should be placed on the notion that moral development is cognitive in nature. A discussion of the progression of moral arguments with age should be provided. A very good answer might include the names of Piaget's or Kohlberg's stages. Students should explain that Piaget would describe typical primary children as being in the "moral realism" stage, in which moral decisions are based on fixed rules. Kohlberg would expect children of this age to be in his "preconventional" stage, in which they base more decisions on what will lead to reward and not punishment. Students should describe critiques of Kohlberg's work, such as the idea that it reflects the value of White, middle- or upper-class males and that his moral dilemmas fail to account for moral ambiguity or alternate solutions.Answer 2
Suggested Responses: Students should select serious emotional disturbance, autism, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and describe its characteristics and causes. They should present thoughtful classroom interventions for promoting peer acceptance of a child with this condition. This should include at least one strategy for teaching the child specific social skills, such as talking to peers, using a quiet voice, getting a peer's attention, entering a play group, or using non-aggressive means to resolve conflicts. Students should also share a strategy for helping peers understand and befriend the child with this disorder.