week replies part one

Week 3 replies part one

Matt Engel

TuesdayNov 7 at 8:07pm

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Theorist Kohlberg, Moral Reasoning Development Theory

Lawrence Kohlberg's contribution to Educational Psychology, particularly through his theory of Moral Reasoning Development, has provided a significant framework for understanding the stages individuals progress in their moral thinking. According to Yount (2010), Kohlberg extended Piaget’s cognitive development theory into adolescence and adulthood, categorizing the development of moral reasoning into three levels, each with two stages: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each level reflects a qualitatively different mode of thinking, and individuals move through these stages as they encounter and resolve moral dilemmas.

Kohlberg's theory is influential because it offers educators a schema for recognizing the moral reasoning stage of their students, which can guide the construction of a moral education curriculum. It emphasizes the role of discussion and reflection on moral issues, which fits well within a Christian educational context that values moral and ethical development (Yount, 2010, p. 132). A profound quote from Kohlberg included, "The basic principle Kohlberg espoused throughout his adult life was “to treat every person as an end in himself or herself, not as a means to some other end. Respect for every human being is the essence of justice" (Yount,2010, p. 138).

When considering Kohlberg's theory from a biblical worldview and integrating it with Yount's "Discipler's Model," it is clear that Kohlberg's emphasis on justice, human dignity, and ethical decision-making aligns with scriptural principles. For example, Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" ( English Standard Version Bible, 2009)? This verse resonates with Kohlberg's higher stages of moral reasoning, which focus on abstract principles such as justice and equity.

Moreover, Yount's "Discipler's Model" is a comprehensive approach that integrates biblical principles with educational practices. Yount advocates for a holistic educational process where "teachers are disciple-makers, learners are disciples, and classrooms are centers of discipleship" (Yount, 2010, p. 250). Thus, Kohlberg's stages could be seen as a tool within this model to assess and encourage moral development as part of discipleship since Christian education is concerned with intellectual growth and forming the whole person, including moral and spiritual dimensions.

However, some aspects of Kohlberg's theory may need to be revised when viewed through a biblical lens. His theory does not necessarily account for the innate sinfulness of man or the need for divine revelation in moral understanding, both core tenets of Christianity. For instance, Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," ( English Standard Version Bible, 2009), indicating a Christian belief in the universal need for moral transformation that comes from outside the natural progression of human development, a concept not addressed in Kohlberg's theory.

Additionally, Kohlberg's post-conventional level, which includes the idea that individuals may define their own values and principles, could conflict with the biblical assertion of absolute truth as revealed in Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" ( English Standard Version Bible, 2009). The authority of Scripture might challenge the relativism that can arise from Kohlberg's highest stages of moral reasoning.

In integrating Kohlberg's theory within a biblical worldview and Yount's "Discipler's Model," it becomes essential to underscore that moral reasoning and the capacity for ethical decision-making are gifts from God. True wisdom comes from a fear of the Lord ( English Standard Version Bible, 2009, Proverbs 9:10). Educators might use Kohlberg's stages to understand where learners are in their moral development while guiding them toward a Christian understanding of morality grounded in biblical revelation. While Kohlberg's Moral Reasoning Development Theory has provided valuable insights into the stages of moral thought, within a Christian educational model like Yount's "Discipler's Model," it must be employed with discernment. The theory can be adapted to emphasize that the highest form of moral reasoning is not merely social contract or individual principles but is rooted in God's eternal and unchanging character as revealed in Scripture.

References

English Standard Version Bible. (2009). Crossway. (Original work published 2001)

Yount, W. (2010).  Created to learn: A christian teacher’s introduction to educational psychology, Second Edition. B&H Academic.

Michael Wills

Michael Wills

WednesdayNov 8 at 7:15pm

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Erickson’s eight stages of personality development offer a unique glimpse into the development of children through each stage into adulthood and the final phases of life (Yount, 2006). This theory is unique compared to Piaget’s theory, which focuses on cognitive development through life (Yount, 2006), while Erickson focuses on the personality traits and stages of development (Yount, 2006). This aspect is interesting as the theory moves into positive and negative personality traits in each stage of development (Yount, 2006). The focus is on two distinctive versions offering a counterbalance to each other in the specific development stage (Yount, 2006). This area offers competing development worldviews as each person responds to each stage differently (Yount, 2006). Specifically, Stage 1 focuses on “trust-mistrust” (Yount, 2006, p. 66) as children are in their earliest development processes. Stage 2 is “autonomy-shame and doubt” (Yount, 2006, p. 65), focusing on toddler development and how they begin handling situations by themselves (Yount, 2006). Stage 3 is “initiative - guilt” (Yount, 2006, p. 65), where the focus is on the child working and dealing with the world around them (Yount, 2006). Stage 4 is “industry - inferiority” (Yount, 2006, p. 64), where the children develop their emotional skill sets (Yount, 2006). The fifth stage is “identity-role confusion” (Yount, 2006, p. 61), where the student establishes who they are (Yount, 2006). Identity is vital in this stage (Yount, 2006). The next stage is “intimacy-isolation” (Yount, 2006, p. 60), where adults learn relationship skills while also maintaining their identity (Yount, 2006). Stage 7 is “generativity-stagnation” (Yount, 2006, p. 60), where fulfillment in caring for others happens (Yount, 2006). The last stage is “integrity - despair” (Yount, 2006, p. 59), where adults take pleasure in their lives as they grow old (Yount, 2006). Each of these stages is important as different personality traits reveal themselves. This part is even genuine in the researcher’s case as he is clearly in stage 7 as he is raising children, working, and becoming concerned with the age and vitality of his parents (Yount, 2006).

There is an application in the Discipler’s Model (Yount, 2006). The first comes from the biblical perspective allowed in human development, which is critical in Erickson’s theory. The Bible provides a perspective on sinful nature and human development (Yount,2006). This aspect is crucial as it is the first pillar of his theory (Yount, 2006). The right pillar of the theory focuses on development in education, which Erickson addresses in his aspects of human development (Yount, 2006). The biblical application lies in the description of humans made in the image of God (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2000, Genesis 1:27) and the fallen nature of man into sin (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2000, Genesis 3). The theory presents problems as the criticism of the theory shows it to be in line with male patterns of development and culturally specific (Yount, 2006). The Bible focuses on all humans and is not specific to a culture, as the Gospel is for everyone.

Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible. (2000). The Lockman Foundation (original work published 1960).

Yount, W. R. (2010).  Created to learn: A Christian teacher’s introduction to educational psychology (2nd ed.). B&H Academic.