Creating Ethical Dilemma Teaching Materials on Organ Transplantation for Junior and High School Education

Abstract

【Objective】 Organ transplantation presents ethical issues and value conflicts, making it an ideal dilemma material for school education. It stimulates students to consider their opinions and exchange ideas. Therefore, we have developed ethical dilemma teaching materials.

Design: Practical report

【Methods】 For ethical dilemma discussions on organ transplantation, we selected five themes: (1) The anonymous principle; (2) Overseas transplant by charity; (3) Organ trafficking; (4) Opt-Out; and (5) Priority donation to relatives. Our standardized lesson format addresses: (i) The ethical dilemma theme; (ii) Class objectives; (iii) Key discussion points; and (iv) Class time schedule. The lessons fit within 50 minutes, the typical duration of junior and high school classes.

【Results】 Using this protocol, we discussed “The anonymous principle” with 3rd grade students at a junior high school in Japan. From their feedback, we concluded that the students deeply engaged, and seriously gave their opinions on the ethical dilemmas. We were impressed by the depth of the students’ thinking, their willingness to listen to the opinions of others, and the transformation of their opinions.

【Conclusion】 Teaching materials on ethical dilemmas can foster the students’ ability to grasp complex societal issues, consider how to solve them, make understanding-based choices, and verbalize their thoughts. We believe that such discussion on ethical dilemmas in organ transplantation will benefit the students intellectually and spiritually, and lead to a deeper awareness in society of organ transplantation issues.