Cultivating Just and Moral Decision Making Using an Ethical Dilemma Reflection Framework

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Expanding our Understanding of Moral Education (Table 3)

Abstract

Leaders engaging in the processes of making decisions, judgments, and/or navigating ethical dilemmas are often challenged by elements of ambiguity or even conflicting values. Practice with challenging situations has the potential to guide aspiring leaders as they apply theory in practice, cultivate the capacity for critical analysis and decision-making, build adaptive expertise, muscle memory, and overall ethical fitness. This study explores the impact of using an ethical dilemma reflection framework to cultivate just & moral decision-making in aspiring school leaders. Quantitative data was gathered from the Defining Issues Test (DIT2) using a pre-post quasi-experimental design. DIT2 N2 scores show a trajectory of growth with some instances of statistical significance in the demonstration of growth in moral reasoning.

Author

• Maureen V. Spelman, North Central College