Moral dissonance and growth in moral development - The impact of field experiences in a school of allied health
The purpose of this qualitative research is to examine the impact of a community service requirement and a visit to the Museum of Tolerance on students enrolled in the course Portfolio Practicum I in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University.
The research paradigm utilized for the study was constructivism. Phenomenology and hermeneutics were utilized to interpret student reflection papers concerning the two field assignments and interview transcripts. One hundred and thirty three community service papers and one hundred and twenty three Museum of Tolerance papers were read and analyzed. Twenty-six students were interviewed.
The literature review focused on moral development, service learning, and portfolio assessment. The models of cognitive and moral development of William Perry, Arthur Chickering, Douglas Heath, Thomas Lickona, and James Rest were explored.
Similar themes emerged from the two data sets. These themes are: (1) negative reaction, (2) worthwhile experience, (3) emotional impact, (4) dissonance and reflection, (5) Christian perspective, (6) relationships, (7) the reciprocal nature of service, (8) community, and (9) moral development. The reciprocal nature of service was the only theme contained in the community service data that was not uncovered in the Museum of Tolerance data.
The thematic framework that emerged from the data based on this group of students included: (1) worthwhile experience, (2) a possibility for dissonance, (3) possibility for relationships to be formed, (4) an emotional impact, and (5) reflection due to the nature of the experiences and enhanced by assignment requirements.
The two field experiences, community service and the visit to the Museum of Tolerance, provide a moral challenge or dissonance, which led to growth in moral development, in the students enrolled in the course Portfolio Practicum I.
The thematic framework that emanated from the data could be a valuable tool if utilized to design curricula where a sense of community and growth in moral development are desired outcomes.
The research paradigm utilized for the study was constructivism. Phenomenology and hermeneutics were utilized to interpret student reflection papers concerning the two field assignments and interview transcripts. One hundred and thirty three community service papers and one hundred and twenty three Museum of Tolerance papers were read and analyzed. Twenty-six students were interviewed.
The literature review focused on moral development, service learning, and portfolio assessment. The models of cognitive and moral development of William Perry, Arthur Chickering, Douglas Heath, Thomas Lickona, and James Rest were explored.
Similar themes emerged from the two data sets. These themes are: (1) negative reaction, (2) worthwhile experience, (3) emotional impact, (4) dissonance and reflection, (5) Christian perspective, (6) relationships, (7) the reciprocal nature of service, (8) community, and (9) moral development. The reciprocal nature of service was the only theme contained in the community service data that was not uncovered in the Museum of Tolerance data.
The thematic framework that emerged from the data based on this group of students included: (1) worthwhile experience, (2) a possibility for dissonance, (3) possibility for relationships to be formed, (4) an emotional impact, and (5) reflection due to the nature of the experiences and enhanced by assignment requirements.
The two field experiences, community service and the visit to the Museum of Tolerance, provide a moral challenge or dissonance, which led to growth in moral development, in the students enrolled in the course Portfolio Practicum I.
The thematic framework that emanated from the data could be a valuable tool if utilized to design curricula where a sense of community and growth in moral development are desired outcomes.
Availability:
For Sale
Publication Date:
2001
Author:
Laura L Alipoon
Order Information:
Full-text available online through ProQuest Digital Dissertations
Keywords:
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Unpublished Plans & Papers; Internet Resources
Resource Objective:
Research
Level:
Tertiary
Audience:
Researcher
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist