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Moral Developmental Theories
Sayra “Bethney” Hill
Early Childhood Special Education, Liberty University
EDLC 504 B01: Educational Philosophy and Theories of Learning
Pam Griffin
February 26, 2023
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Moral Developmental Theories
Introduction
A student is taught the academic fundamentals throughout their educational journey to
ensure that they are equipped for their journey into society to the best of their teacher's ability.
Students must also be taught the moral fundamentals through a process called moral
development in addition to these intellectual fundamentals. "The process through which people
form their attitudes and behaviors toward other people is known as moral development. It is
based on laws, regulations, and social and cultural conventions " (Ryan, 2011). With this
method, it is made sure that kids know right and wrong while they are not in a classroom. The
findings show a higher likelihood of destructive behaviors in students who did not participate in
this process. "Moral immaturity can result in various undesirable outcomes, such as socially
inappropriate behavior. academic difficulties, difficulty making friends, alcohol and drug abuse,
and criminal activity." (Ryan, 2011). Students pick up morals from the adults in their lives,
including their parents, teachers, and role models. They accumulate experiences that aid in
internalizing what is excellent and unpleasant. Numerous philosophers have tried to explain how
moral growth happens throughout a child's life. This has led to the development of various
theories that can be used in teaching.
Jean Piaget
The philosopher Jean Piaget developed a Theory of Moral Development. He thought that
