Grades 6–8 • Morganville, New Jersey
The Internet engages students in lively discussions of morality and ethics when they participate in a blog for their social studies class. These eighth graders reflect on the school’s own Monarch Doctrine, which motivates students to nurture a climate of care, concern and civility for others as they grapple with current and historical events. Three times each month, these students debate multiple perspectives regarding complex ethical choices. They then support a stance and defend it in the context of both the Monarch Doctrine and what is consistent with positive character development. Whether they discuss the War in Iraq or issues of race on the ABC show, Survivor, this is an opportunity for young people to reflect and express themselves for an authentic audience. Success of the program is clear when students initiate their own blog entries and encourage others to join the debate. One student reports, “The blogging has really made me think about these issues. I don’t just jump to conclusions anymore, I try to think about all the sides.”
www.marlboro.k12.nj.us/schools/new_middle/start.asp