“Dealing with these situations”: Teaching Undergraduates Professional Ethics by Reflecting on Bias

• In Event: Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogy

Abstract

Students are navigating educational systems while institutional trust is low. Professional Ethics (PE) encourages students to think critically and examine Psychological Biases (PB). However, PE courses are less common for undergraduates. Integrating principles from Symbolic Interactionism, Rational Choice Theory, and Cultural Humility Framework, the purpose of this study was to examine student reflections and the connection between PE and PB. Data was collected over eight semesters (N=236) from a multidisciplinary professional development undergraduate course in-class activity. Qualitative analysis of four professional ethics prompts was synthesized into six themes: If/Then; Everyone Else; Disconnect from Peers; Desire To Change; Resolute with No Regret; and Judged For. Study findings inform future research in creating classroom climates open to transformative dialogue and civic reasoning.

Authors

• Sarah A Burcher, University of Alabama

• Makayla Lucas, University of Alabama

• Kate O'Rourke, University of Alabama

• Isabella Martin, University of Alabama

• Kimberly Tomeny, University of Alabama