Fiction-based ethics education in Swedish compulsory school – reflections on a research project

Abstract

In this article we draw conclusions from a research project in which a unique model for a fiction-based approach to ethics education was developed and used in three Swedish schools. Nine lessons were carried out during the 2019-2020 school year in five school classes: two in Grade 5 and three in Grade 8. Participating teachers worked with the researchers before and during the project to reflect on and develop the model. Moreover, five classes and teachers with their ordinary ethics education were engaged in the project. Theoretically, the project draws on the works of Martha C. Nussbaum in its choice to employ fiction reading in ethics education, and has a foundation in a sociocultural theory on moral development elaborated by Mark B. Tappan. The article’s aim is to critically reflect on the results and design of the project in relation to the theoretical underpinnings, with the purpose of offering reflections on ethics education for further development in both research and educational practice.