PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND THE BUILDING OF MORAL CHARACTER

Physical Education has great potential for building moral character in children and youth. However, in order to realize this potential, physical educators should be familiar with the stage of character development and the best approaches to achieving this worthy goal.

Havighurst and Peck and associates, with colleagues of the committee on Human Development at the University of Chicago.

Five stages through which the ordinary person passes in developing character Amoral, impulsive stage Egocentric, expedient stage Conforming stage Irrational conscience stage Rational conscience stage

AMORAL,IMPULSIVE STAGE This is a period during the first year of life or longer when the individual follows his own impulses and has no moral feelings.

EGOCENTRIC, EXPEDIENT STAGE This period is common among children 2 to 4 years of age. It is characterized by some control over impulses in the interest of making good impressions and also self protection from physical harm.

CONFORMING STAGE From 5 to 10 years of age there exists a period where the individual attempts to conform to the demands of the special group of which he is a part.

IRRATIONAL CONSCIENCE STAGE This is the period when the example and teaching of parents are dominant, normal for children 5-10 years of age and older.

RATIONAL CONSCIENCE STAGE This is the highest level of moral conduct. A Few adolescents get into this stage; some adults are never able to achieve it.

As the child matures, he learns and acquires values starting from his immediate environment and gradually expanding to a more complicated world of reality or society.

In view of the above discussion, it is the strong belief of this author that physical education has a compelling obligation to support and perpetuate those moral and ethical principles which are basic to society.

THANKS FOR LISTENING   By: kEnDra 