Dynamics of Primary School Pupils’ Orientation to Moral Growth: A Longitudinal Study

This article presents the dynamics of primary school pupils’ orientation to moral growth in Latvia between 2022 and 2023. Within a longitudinal study, in spring 2022, 518 pupils in grade 2 participated in the 1st measurement in all regions of Latvia. A repeated measure was done in spring 2023 with 451 pupils in grade 3. This study used a questionnaire consisting of 25 scale items, organized into four sections related to the key components of the moral growth process: (A) understanding (cognitive-emotional perception of the moral character development process); (B) purposefulness (voluntarily and consciously committing to moral growth); (C) moral crafting (engaging practically in moral growth activities); and (D) moral identity (experiencing joy and support throughout the process of moral development). Quantitative data were analysed to identify the differences between both measurements. The component “Understanding of the moral growth process” had the highest scores, while the lowest scores were related to the component “pupils’ moral identity”. Comparing the two measurements, a positive (increasing) dynamic was observed in pupils’ rating of their understanding of moral character development (component A) and of their involvement in moral crafting (component C). On the other hand, slightly negative trends were observed in the indicators “Purposefulness” and “Moral identity” of moral growth, which could indicate a certain instability in pupils’ perception of their commitment to moral development, alongside a still fragile and emerging moral identity, as well as an increase in demanding attitudes towards oneself and others. The results of the study could be useful for parents, educators, and school administrators willing to nurture moral growth in middle childhood.