A Study on the Development of a Moral Education Class to Curb Aggressive Bullying Behavior

—Focusing on the Thoughts and Feelings about Death among Second Grade Students—

Abstract

We made a practical study of moral education classes with the aim of curbing bullying behaviors among students by conducting classes using materials dealing with death. We led these classes for 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders and examined the characteristics of the thoughts and feelings about death among 2nd graders. The following two points became clear. First, although 2nd graders learned about death, they understand it emotionally in relation to their immediate family members and important others. This emotional feeling leads them to think about the causes of death, suggesting that the teaching materials and moral education classes on death in the 2nd grade should not only focus on cognitive knowledge, but also on content and methods that will stimulate students' emotions. Second, understanding the causes of death may lead to the control of aggressive behavior. If students can be guided to think about the causes of death, and realize what they can do to prevent it, this can lead to the development of the ability to control aggression. In the future, we would like to develop additional teaching materials and conduct studies at multiple schools.