Kohlberg's Moral Dilemma

Instructional Method: Kohlberg's Moral Dilemmas

[Moral Discussions Utilizing a Six.pdf]

In this approach, a dilemma has to be introduced along with the surrounding an issue. The students are then asked to take a position and be able to state their reasons why. The class is equally divided for discussion, and then regrouped for a seated circle conversation to: clarify thoughts, share thoughts, agree on the focus, provide perspective and proof of reasoning for their reasoning.

The strengths of the instructions are the group concept. Everyone is expected and encouraged to contribute to the conversation, which is easy to do when there is no right or wrong answer. This method provides a convenient approach to learning since students are faced with moral decision daily. The students are required to summarize the events and describe alternatives of the dilemma which suggest engagement and critically thought about the best approach and best position.

The limitation with this approach is there is no one moral standard to answer/measure the dilemmas students face today. The moral stages of development help to categorize but are still based on a majority opinion that could easily change. For many individuals "anything goes" and everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Therefore, the genuine conversation about a dilemma can turn bad quick. Students tend not to talk to one another - they text - and use words as short as possible. It is a challenge to encourage the students to engage in meaningful conversation without taking personal what their fellow students have contributed to the conversation; some students are left more confused than when they started.