A developmental approach to moral education: Domain based moral education

In this study, "Social Domain Theory", a cognitive-developmental moral theory, and "Domain Based Moral Education" a moral education approach developed based on this theory, are discussed. The study consists of an introduction, a conclusion, and five chapters. The introduction section focuses on the subject, purpose, importance, and basic concepts of the study. In the first chapter, basic moral development theories and cognitive-developmental moral theories (Piaget and Kohlberg's moral development theories) that form the basis of social domain theory are mentioned. In the second chapter, the development of social domain theory, the basic features of the theory, and the periods of moral development in children according to this theory are revealed. In the third chapter, some basic principles, methods, and approaches that will support moral development in educational environments according to social domain theory are mentioned. In the fourth chapter, domain based moral education approach is explained and examples of some course contents that developed within the academic curriculum according to the domain-based moral education approach are given. In the fifth and last chapter, Turkish moral education and related education programs are discussed on the basis of the domain-based moral education approach. The study was concluded with results and recommendations. In this study, based on social domain theory, it is stated that 'morality' is an important part of social development and that it develops in parallel with personal and social development. It is stated that children from an early age can distinguish between moral rules and social rules and form their moral knowledge by making evaluations on the basis of benefit and harm. Based on the domain-based moral education approach, it has been stated that moral reasoning plays an effective role in the process of structuring moral knowledge; therefore, it is important to prepare moral and related education programs on the basis that develop children's moral reasoning skills. Finally, in order to use the process more effectively and efficiently in moral education programs, attention was drawn to the importance of utilizing developmental studies and moral education approaches developed on these foundations. Keywords: Social Domain Theory, Moral Development, Domain-Based Moral Education, Moral Reasoning.