Teaching of Ethics and Professional Issues BCS/LTNS-ICS seminar

1. Teaching of Ethics and Professional Issues BCS/LTNS-ICS seminar University of Greenwich January 2001 Promotion of Professional Behaviour Dr. Les Neal Brunel University

2. Professional Issues Module Taught at Brunel University and BCUC Second level module 30/180 units up to 240 students organised into groups of 6

3. Overview No formal lectures but a number of guest speakers. Extensive work in groups of 6 on two ‘projects’ project 1 A major report on one chosen scenario from six offered project 2 A group presentation on one topic chosen from extensive list

4. Scenario Chosen to cover 5/6 areas of ‘professional issues’ Students encouraged to identify which areas are relevant carry out individual investigation of an area bring results back to the group analyse the relevance of individual contributions synthesise relevant material into final report

5. Presentations An in-depth look at one topic Minimum expected would be regurgitation of existing easily found material but real-life relevance looked for as well as ‘state-of-the art’ findings. This involves peer assessment.

6. Main Aims of the Module To create a learning activity within which student are encouraged to behave professionally towards each other. To realise that through co-operative work they can learn more than as individuals. and also learn a few facts about the DP Act, etc.

7. Mechanisms for Promoting Professional Behaviour Three reports First report at end of third week Choice of scenario and presentation topic Roles spelt out for the two projects Minutes of meetings with attendance to be attached Second report at end of 7th week Summary of investigatory activity - no conclusions yet Minutes of meetings attached

8. Third report At end of 12th week in form of major report on the chosen scenario Also individual evaluation statements of what they have learnt from the exercise and comments on the process Presentations Attendance at minimum of three presentation sessions (six groups) expected and group peer assessments returned Each group expected to produce summary notes at their presentation with sources identified.

9. Assessment Scenario report 40% Presentation 25% Multiple choice factual exam 25% Process mark 10% The group is given a base process mark based on the first two reports and contribution to the presentation process. Marks for individuals are adjusted according to their contribution i.e.attendance at group meetings. The group can recommend a breakdown of total marks for individuals in the final report.

10. Problems 40 groups Usually two to three groups disintegrated and individuals in about six others did not pull their weight. Problems of getting hold of a definitive class list - much time spent at start sorting out missing/extra individuals. To work needs close monitoring - weekly meeting with group ‘contact person’ - chasing up of weak groups through feedback from the first report No lectures but amount of work involved as much if not more than for conventional teaching.