What is ethical learning?

As you have already seen, throughout this section curated interview clips with Professor Martin Hendry are available to view. You are encouraged to engage with this content in parallel with the articles provided for learning. 

To build on what we have learned about ethical literacy:

What is ethical learning?  

According to Boni & Berjano, ethical learning is “an educational proposal that aims to prepare students for their future working life by helping them to acquire skills that allow them to carry out their professions with autonomy and responsibility” (Boni & Berjano, 2009). 

This idea comes from the impetus to develop a “moral personality” as a lifelong learner and a responsible citizen (Boni & Berjano, 2009). 

It is important to consider ethical learning as a scholar for multiple reasons:

1. Ethical learning equips students to make responsible decisions 

2. It provides opportunities to reflect on values and actions 

3. It can guide students into maintaining academic integrity 

4. It promotes inclusivity 

Below you will find some examples of how students might have already used ethical learning approaches: 

Academic integrity – You might internally have the notion that “cheating” is wrong or you may have learned this from engaging with peers, or individuals you respect. This is one component of ethical learning! 

Respecting diverse opinions – Within your educational experience you have most likely encountered people with different opinions to your own. It is enlightening to have constructive debate and learning to accept and promote diversity is an aspect of ethical learning. 

Reflective decision-making – considering and re-evaluating decisions that you have made is a part of ethical learning. Thinking about the consequences of decisions can help make mindful, informed decisions in the future.  

Inquisitive mind – being a lifelong learner is an aspect of ethical learning. You are likely to already pursue your passions and interests. For example, have you joined classes or clubs to enhance your learning in something you are interested in or curious about?

What does this mean for educators? 

Ethical learning is not something that can be explored in a day. It is a teaching practice that focusses on supporting students to be well-rounded individuals who admire and value fairness, learning, and respect.

Institutions can support educators to foster ethical learning by: 

1) Providing workshops led by experts in this field to support understanding of these principles.

2) Giving educators the opportunity to integrate ethical learning across all avenues of teaching and learning. 

3) Encouraging collaboration within and between teams of teachers and policy makers.