Adaptation and translation of SATNAV:Compass Moral Education Program for implementation in China

• In Event: Exploring Moral Development: empirical and intervention applications informed by Situational Action Theory in schools.

Abstract

This paper is within a panel about the SATNAV project. One component of SATNAV is Compass, an evidence-backed programme of behavioural change centred around developing individual morality, rooted in Situational Action Theory. This presentation explores the implementation of SATNAV Compass in a city in Southern China, in a school for young offenders founded through a collaboration between the education department and the police in response to a growing youth crime rate in China.

The presentation will focus on the key challenges of linguistic adaptation and accurate and sensitive cultural localization, and will present encouraging process evaluation feedback from its first trial. The programme has been well received by both students and educators regarding the innovative teaching methods and interactive learning experiences.

However, challenges persist, particularly in integrating Western-style critical thinking exercises with traditional Chinese approaches to moral instruction to ensure that Western moral education philosophies resonate with Chinese learners while respecting their societal values and educational traditions. Therefore, this research highlights the complexities of implementing moral education programs across cultural boundaries.

Finally, the presentation will discuss how the program is expected to provide valuable empirical insights into the role of moral education in youth crime prevention.

Authors

• Xiaoya Xun, Shenzhen University

• Neema Trivedi-Bateman, Loughborough University

• Beth Hardie, University of Cambridge