Comparing teachers’ views on morality and moral education, a comparative study in Turkey and the United States

In this study, the researchers examined how K-8 teachers approach morality, moral education, and the moral development of children in Turkey and in the United States. Both countries have diverse cultures and long histories with secular education systems. Surveys were sent to teachers in nine cities in both countries. Results suggest that Turkish teachers emphasized societal values and global values, which have implications for the sustainability of the Turkish nation-state. American teachers emphasized moral action and morality in context (cultural relativity) rather than global values. Our findings emphasize the importance of inter-cultural awareness and tolerance.

Research highlights
► Turkish and American teachers had different views on the definition of morality.
► Turkish and American teachers had different ideas about how morality should be taught to children.
► Turkish and American teachers had different views of moral action and morality as it pertained to local versus global issues.
► As far as similarities, in both countries teachers agreed on the most basic issues such as whether or not morality should be taught and by whom, and with what supports.