CHILD AND ADOLESCENCE LEARNERS AND LEARNING PRINCIPLES

MORAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY of

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is a theory that focuses on how children
develop morality and moral reasoning.

LEVEL 1: PRECONVENTIONAL MORALITY (0-9 y/o)

Young children do not really understand the conventions or rules of society.
Manifested by avoiding punishment and receiving benefits in return.

Stage 1: PUNISHMENT-OBEDIENCE ORIENTATION (2-7 y/o)

The physical consequences of an action determine goodness or badness.
With the belief that those in authority have superior power and should be obeyed.
Punishment is avoided by staying out of trouble.
Stage 2: INSTRUMENTAL- RELATIVIST ORIENTATION (Preschool-School Age)

An action is judged to be right if it is instrumental or satisfying own needs.

With the belief that obeying rules should bring some sort of benefits in return.
LEVEL 2: CONVENTIONAL MORALITY (9-20 y/o)
Conforms to the conventions or rules of society.
Manifested by respecting authorities.

Stage 3: GOOD BOY- NICE GIRL ORIENTATION

The right action is one that would be carried out by someone whose behavior is
likely to impress or please others.
Stage 4: LAW AND ORDER ORIENTATION
To maintain the social order, fixed rules must be established and obeyed.
It is essential to respect authority.
LEVEL 3: POSTCONVENTIONAL MORALITY (after age 20 y/o)
Reached only by small proportion of adults.
Moral principles that underlie the conventions of a society are understood.
Manifested through mutual agreements and consistent principles.

Stage 5: SOCIAL ORIENTATION

Rules are needed to maintain the social agreement at the same time the rights
of the individual are understood.

Stage 6: UNIVERSAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLE ORENTATION

Moral decisions are made in terms of self-chosen ethical principles.
Once principles are chosen, they are applied in consistent ways.