VaKE is a didactic approach developed by the University of Salzburg in Austria. The approach relies on dilemma stories which initiate discussions toward content learning and ethical decision-making. The value question at stake (dilemma) triggers the participants’ motivation to acquire knowledge (information) in order to reach a more appropriate decision. The new information will in turn enable informed moral decision-making and help develop the participants’ moral skills.

This open training situation puts the learner at the heart of the learning process and switches the trainer’s role from one of a knowledge transmitter to one of a moderator within the learning process. Being stimulated by the moderator in order to perform successive moral and content viability checks about their own convictions and beliefs (‘am I right?’, is this right?’), the participants learn how to reflect on arguments exposed or designed through the discussions. Thereby they foster reflective autonomy in decision-making and individual responsibility.

Based on dialog opportunities, opposing arguments and values, role-taking and critical thinking, instead of imposing ready-made solutions, moral development can thus be stimulated.