Learning through Talking: a contribution towards the moral development of seven‐year‐olds provided by an environmental project

Abstract

In this paper we describe the ways seven year old children debated the controversial issue of the coming of a new link road to their town. Data collection and interviews with local people culminated in a ‘public inquiry’ where the children, in role, presented their case in front of television cameras.

The project provided a realistic context for talk; opportunities to speak about personal experiences and to question adults about issues that the children felt important.

Our concern throughout was to help children construct moral values for themselves, make real decisions and become autonomous.