Using Mobile Polling to Teach Animal Ethics to Large Audiences: A Case Study of First-Year Veterinary Students'...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Animal Ethics
• Moral Philosophy

Background:

• Educating veterinary students in animal ethics is crucial for addressing future moral dilemmas.
• Teaching animal ethics to large student cohorts presents significant pedagogical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a polling series in engaging first-year veterinary students with animal ethics dilemmas.
• To explore student perspectives on animal ethics compared to veterinary ethics.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary polling series was implemented over four academic years for first-year veterinary students at Ghent University.
• Students responded to questions on pet ownership, animal vs. owner interests, motivations, and eating habits.
• Poll results were utilized in applied sessions to facilitate discussions on ethical dilemmas.

Main Results:

• Over half of the students participated, with increasing engagement over four years.
• Animal ethics topics generated higher student response rates than veterinary ethics topics.
• Students found it easier to discuss and justify animal ethics dilemmas compared to veterinary ethics dilemmas.

Conclusions:

• Discussing polling results on animal ethics dilemmas can foster ethical awareness in veterinary students.
• This approach aids in the development of personal identity and decision-making skills for future veterinarians.