As you take notes while reading this article, think about the importance of understanding the philosophy behind taking general education courses and how your courses have taught you to think more critically, build character, and become more open-minded to cultural differences, thereby paving the way for you to be successful in the career field you have chosen.
Explain how “teaching by example” influences the development of ethical and moral reasoning as well as cultural sensitivity and awareness.
“Rousseau categorically denies the educational power of example” (p. 513). Explain your agreement or disagreement with Rousseau’s philosophy of education as it applies to your experience in gaining knowledge.
Answer preview
Teaching by example influences the development of one’s ethics and moral reasoning as well as their cultural understanding and enlightenment. This influence is achieved through the example not only by receiving a particular message but also lives in a certain illustrative manner. Setting principles for children, for instance, will influence their moral reasoning and ethical development as they will think that it is how things should be done. Also, teaching by example does have an influence on a persons’ ethical, moral and cultural development since the teacher is able to learn something about the student and their learning styles (McEwan, 2011). It will enable the teacher to get a clear picture and create sensitivity when it comes to a particular student. The teacher will understand their students and how their relation to culture influences their moral reasoning.
