Neuropedagogical Foundations for Moral Development in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Early childhood is a crucial period in the formation of moral identity, the regulation of emotions, and ethical decision-making. Moral education that is traditional and focuses on behavioral habituation is often not able to accommodate the needs of children's brain development optimally. Neuropedagogy as an interdisciplinary approach that combines neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy, offers a more comprehensive way of supporting early childhood moral development. This article examines how the foundational principles of neuropedagogy such as emotional safety, multisensory engagement, social interaction, and reflective learning can be the foundation for instilling core moral values such as empathy, responsibility, and honesty. Based on the results of a review of the literature and international practice, these findings encourage a paradigm shift in education towards a learning environment that is in harmony with the development of the child's brain and emotional needs.