A high school Judaic values curriculum using media as motivation

Abstract

This thesis attempts to show how and why previous courses teaching Jewish values have been largely unsuccessful, and then introduces a one year curriculum of thirty lessons, which uses a specific methodology in discussion after students view a trigger film to introduce the moral issue or topic.;The introductory chapter demonstrates the great need to teach values and ethics in today's classroom, both in general and Jewish schools. However, this need currently is not being met for a variety of reasons discussed in Chapter II. The author cites numerous studies which show that a trigger film or television show is especially effective in changing values and attitudes. Using this tool as a motivator for discussion, the author develops a curriculum which is compatible with both the Bandura and Kohlberg models of values learning and moral development. With a specific type of classroom discussion following the film, students can "open up" to changes in attitude and behavior.;Chapter III develops the actual curriculum, demonstrating why thirty independent lessons are best suited for today's Jewish school. The methodology used to maximize the discussion is described in detail. In the body of the thesis, Chapter IV, the actual lesson plans are discussed and presented after explaining the unique format as well as the individual components of the lesson plan. The appendices list the specially selected films used in the curriculum and how they may be purchased or rented.