Brewing Knowledge Friday, 8th of November 2025, hosted by Neelashi Mangal for The English Book Depot. Reading Kamala Mukunda's book, What Did You Ask At School Today? The group explored connections between learning styles and model development, including discussions about moral reasoning and the influence of education on children's behaviour. They examined cultural differences in teaching moral values and debated the effectiveness of different teaching methods, including positive reinforcement and punishment. The conversation concluded with insights about adapting teaching approaches to other cultural contexts and the development of moral reasoning through various theoretical frameworks.
Learning Styles and Moral Development
The group discussed connections between learning styles and model development, with Minakshi explaining that model development involves discriminating between right and wrong in subjective situations. They read a passage about a fictional tribe and explored how education influences moral development, with Neelashi and Minakshi agreeing that children's natural tendencies can be shaped by societal influences. The discussion concluded with a question to Maira about the moral lessons she had observed at her school, although she did not respond to it in the transcript.
Moral Development in Children
The discussion focused on moral development in children, with Minakshi explaining that while children are naturally demanding, they need to be moulded to develop caring behaviours. Neelashi and Minakshi debated the effectiveness of positive reinforcement and punishment in teaching moral values, with Minakshi cautioning that excessive praise could lead to the development of negative personality traits. The conversation also explored cultural differences in ethical and conventional rules, with Schweder's research highlighting how children in different societies perceive certain behaviours as moral rather than traditional.
Cultural Perspectives on Moral Development
The discussion focused on children's moral development and cultural differences in teaching values. Minakshi shared insights about Indian parents' reactions to questions about universal versus relative moral norms, particularly regarding clothing and physical interactions, noting that such questions would be controversial with parents but potentially more open-minded with students. The conversation underscored the importance of adapting teaching methods to cultural contexts while examining the progression of moral reasoning through various stages, as outlined by Freud, Piaget, and Kohlberg.
AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.
