Ethics Pedagogy 2.0: A Content Analysis of Award-Winning Media Ethics Exercises

Abstract

A content analysis of 253 Great Ideas for Teachers (GIFTs) found that most of the 18 activities suitable for ethics courses relied on traditional methods of teaching, mainly discussions, teamwork, and case studies. Few used online technology, games, or simulations, compared with activities in other areas of journalism education. While most ethics ideas were designed to stimulate higher order learning, they were less likely than other GIFTs to incorporate varied elements that might improve student engagement. The authors make suggestions, based on the education literature and GIFT analysis, for incorporating dynamic, interactive activities in ethics courses.