Trainee teachers look at ethics in the classroom | News

August 2023

Trainee teachers take closer look at ethics in the classroom with the experts

By Melanie Hall

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Primary education students at University College Birmingham have been learning about the importance of ethics and morals in the classroom.

Julie Taylor, who is pioneering the integration of character into teacher education at the University of Warwick, which has a close partnership with University College Birmingham and accredits many of its degrees, delivered two insightful workshops on the themes.

An assistant professor and the Deputy Head of Primary Teacher Education, Julie completed her master’s in Character Education in 2020 and has continued to work with the Jubilee Centre on various publications and webinars.

These include contributing a case study for the centre’s book, ‘Understanding Character Education: Approaches, Applications and Issues’, which showcases the character work that she has led for student teachers.

Daniel Vanello has also been working with students on the University’s Primary Education Studies BA (Hons) degree, an accelerated two-year course, to explore Dewey's philosophy of education and encourage students to develop philosophical questioning with children.

"It has been inspiring to hear from such insightful speakers who have a genuine passion for their work and an interest in the development of our future educators here at the University."

Dr Alison Williams Childhood and education studies senior lecturer

Student Ashley learning his classroom skills

Speaking with genuine passion

Daniel, currently Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow in the Philosophy Department at the University of Warwick, is interested in the intersection between ethics and the philosophy of mind and psychology, in particular defining what moral understanding is and how it is acquired with a particular focus on the role of emotions, social interaction and communication.

Daniel completed his PhD at the University of Warwick in 2017 before pursuing research fellowships at the University of Geneva and University College Dublin.

Dr Alison Williams, senior lecturer in childhood and education studies at University College Birmingham, said: “It has been inspiring to hear from such insightful speakers who have a genuine passion for their work and an interest in the development of our future educators here at the University."

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