The Moral Dimensions of Teaching: Language, Power, and Culture in Classroom Interaction

Ever since Plato, education has been seen as a process imbued with moral significance. But in a multicultural world full of divergent beliefs and values, morality is never a cut and dry matter of deciding between right and wrong. Many aspects of the educational process, including much of what goes on in the classroom, is characterized by moral ambiguity. This unique book examines the important roles teachers play as the moral agents of the classroom. The authors give a thorough analysis of the moral issues educators face, including discussions on the use of language, power dynamics, and confronting and assimilating the divergent cultural values and beliefs of students with a multitude of ethnic and religious backgrounds. These theoretical examinations are balanced with practical strategies for actual classroom use.

Cary A. Buzzelli is Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University Bill Johnston is Assistant Professor of TESOL and Applied Linguistics at Indiana University