A professional ethics learning module for use in co-operative education

Area of Science:

• Professional Education
• Cooperative Learning Programs

Background:

• The University of Cincinnati's Professional Practice Program (co-op) offers comprehensive professional preparation.
• A new curriculum, implemented for the Class of 2006, focuses on common learning outcomes for all disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the structure and learning outcomes of the University of Cincinnati's enhanced co-op program.
• To detail the Professional Ethics learning module within the co-op curriculum.

Main Methods:

• Students participate in the Professional Practice Program covering organizational culture, technology, professional ethics, and theory-practice integration.
• During their third co-op term, students complete a Professional Ethics module requiring analysis of a professional code of ethics and a hypothetical ethical dilemma.
• A three-party assessment involving students, employers, and faculty evaluates module completion.

Main Results:

• The Professional Practice Program integrates practical experience with academic learning.
• The Professional Ethics module ensures students can apply ethical codes to real-world scenarios.
• A comprehensive assessment process validates student learning in professional ethics.

Conclusions:

• The revised co-op curriculum at the University of Cincinnati effectively prepares students in professional ethics and practice integration.
• The Professional Practice Program provides a robust framework for developing well-rounded professionals.
• The ethics module and assessment process are key components in achieving program objectives.