On Moral Education in the Finnish Comprehensive School Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract Internalization of moral values on the basis of the values and principles stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was accepted as a starting point in the planning of moral education in the Finnish comprehensive school. The goals and content of moral education have not been clearly specified in the report of the Committee on Comprehensive School Curriculum, which in practice serves as a national curriculum. Moral tenets are mainly taught in religion and civics. The most common types of moral content in textbooks are examples of morally acceptable behaviour, moral norms, rules and obligations. Moral tenets are justified by appealing to authorities and emotions or no justification is given at all. The textbooks deal with moral questions mainly on the individual level and the materials provide limited opportunities for practice necessary for the internalization of moral values.