In east China's Hangzhou city, a primary school uses "good deed' points to foster students' sense of morality. While some consider it utilitarianism or purpose-driven, it is proving effective.
You may already be familiar with the concept of banks. But in Hangzhou's Anjilu Primary School, there is another type of bank --the "Moral Bank".
The idea is students who have done good deeds or have outstanding performances are given scores, which are recorded on a special card, similar to the deposit book of a bank. At the end of each term, students with high scores in their "moral bank "will get extra awards.
The school intended to encourage students to control their behavior and do good things for others.
At the beginning, the kids really didn't know what to do to get points, but, with the guidance of teachers, they soon jointly developed a whole list of good deeds that earn from one to five points.
This boy says he wants more scores on his card, as they stands for the good deeds he's done and his good behavior, such as unity and care for the whole class.
This boy says such a good deed score has become his driving force.
Although the plan has motivated almost all the students, many parents are concerned that this may make the kids utilitarian and purpose-driven, as many of them do good things just to score points. But this teacher has a different opinion.
She says the 'moral bank' may be slightly utilitarian, but the kids are subtly influenced, and gradually this mechanism may help them know what's right and what's wrong.
It does prove effective in changing children's behavior.
One mother says previously her son didn't have a sense of caring for parents, but now he does, and often helps her. In addition, groups have emerged at the school to provide free repair services to others, and students are more willing to help each other.
(CRI.com May 24, 2004)
