Exploring the Role of Drama and Theatre in Moral Education: Theories and Practices
Keywords:
Moral education, Drama study, RulesAbstract
Moral education plays a crucial role in personal development. A Chinese saying aptly illustrates its importance: “A man cannot stand without integrity; a country cannot prosper without morality.” Similarly, England emphasizes the significance of moral education in children’s growth. According to Section 78 of the UK Education Act of 2002, schools are responsible for promoting “the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development of pupils at the school and in society.” Under this Act, the Department for Education has proposed non-statutory guidance for schools on actively promoting fundamental values. This guidance includes moral principles such as: (1) Encouraging students to respect and tolerate people of all faiths, races, and cultures; (2) Cultivating students’ self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence; (3) Motivating students to take responsibility for their actions and understand how they can contribute to their schools and society; (4) Ensuring students recognize the importance of combating discrimination. These points, among others, demonstrate the emphasis British education places on students’ moral development. Therefore, educators must consider how to achieve these objectives—how to instill belief in moral standards and encourage adherence to moral rules. However, this task is challenging due to differing opinions on moral education. As Joe Winston highlights, morality is a complex area that elicits profound disagreement.
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