Moral Development and Moral Education of Pupils

Abstract

An increasingly frequent criticism of the school system refers to the insufficient connection between pedagogical and educational processes, i.e., the fact that the pedagogical function of the school is neglected in everyday school practice. The pedagogical role of the school can be discussed in general or more specifically, given the extent to which the school can contribute to encouraging the moral development of students and the operationalization of the tasks of moral education. So far, empirical research on moral education in our schools has been small, which indicates that this area is insufficiently researched and does not respond to the modern-day needs of pedagogical practice, especially the area related to the structure of school activities. The aim of this paper is to point out the potential and effects of curricular and extracurricular activities on the moral development and moral education of pupils. Focusing on the discrepancy between normative and practical functioning of schools, the authors emphasize in the introductory part of the paper the importance of the pedagogical role of the school from the aspect of moral development and moral education. Based on the review of the previous theoretical and research findings in this field, the characteristics of moral development are indicated as well as their compliance with the goals of moral education and the forms of pedagogical activities in schools. In addition, by considering the structure of school activities and the role of various participants in the educational process in the operationalization of the pedagogical role of the school, and based on modern pedagogical and didactic standpoints, the opportunities offered by and the effects of the curricular and extracurricular activities on moral development and moral education of pupils are considered as well. The authors of the paper emphasize in the conclusion which preconditions have to be met to make school activities functional in terms of pupils’ moral development and moral education.

Keywords

• pedagogical function of schools
• moral development
• moral education
• curricular activities
• extracurricular activities.