The state of ethical learning of students in the Spanish university system: considerations for the European higher education area

Abstract

With the establishment of the European higher education area (EHEA), the ethical learning of students is a matter of central importance in European universities. This paper examines the current state of ethical learning of students in the Spanish university system. We present the results of a descriptive survey, which used a training model for university students and examined their ethical development in three categories: the construction of self, learning in fellowship and socio-moral reflection. The results of the survey reflect the current situation of ethical training among Spanish students and enable us to propose certain measures for consolidating and enhancing ethical development with the Spanish universities of the EHEA.

Keywords:

• ethical learning
• European higher education area
• Spain university
• university teaching

Notes

1. The project: An analysis of the ethical-learning skills of university students in undergraduate and graduate degree courses offered within the framework of the EHEA: proposals for development has been undertaken within the Call for Research and Analysis organized by the Spanish Secretary of State for Universities (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain). The project's PI was Dr Alejandra Boni and the research team comprised the following members of the Moral Education Research Group (GREM): Miquel Martínez, Mª Rosa Buxarrais, Amelia Tey and Laura Campo.