Promoting Moral Development Through Addressing the Ethics of Animal Experimentation in High School Biology Classes: An Exploratory Case Study in the Chinese Context

• In Event: 52.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 52.083-6 - Moral Development and Educational Context

Abstract

Promoting students with moral development has been increasingly emphasized in science education recently. This study investigated how a Chinese high school biology teacher addressed the bioethical issue of animal experimentation for stimulating Grade 11 students’ moral development. Using a case study design, results revealed that the teacher provided various bioethics contents such as opinions of both sides on animal testing, relevant ethical principles and legislations and organised learning activities such as reading the handouts and role-playing debate. Analysis of bioethics discourses among students indicated that students become aware of the need to show respect and tolerance to others in resolving the issue. Implications of this study for more effectively enhancing students’ moral development in science education are discussed.

Authors

• Yu Chen, Education University of Hong Kong

• Winnie Wing-Mui So, The Education University of Hong Kong