Curriculum Content Research Articles

Assessing AI Awareness and Identifying Essential Competencies: Insights From Key Stakeholders in Integrating AI Into Medical Education.

The increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care has generated a growing need for health care professionals to possess a comprehensive understanding of AI technologies, requiring an adaptation in medical education. This paper explores stakeholder perceptions and expectations regarding AI in medicine and examines their potential impact on the medical curriculum. This study project aims to assess the AI experiences and awareness of different stakeholders and identify essential AI-related topics in medical education to define necessary competencies for students. The empirical data were collected as part of the TüKITZMed project between August 2022 and March 2023, using a semistructured qualitative interview. These interviews were administered to a diverse group of stakeholders to explore their experiences and perspectives of AI in medicine. A qualitative content analysis of the collected data was conducted using MAXQDA software. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 38 participants (6 lecturers, 9 clinicians, 10 students, 6 AI experts, and 7 institutional stakeholders). The qualitative content analysis revealed 6 primary categories with a total of 24 subcategories to answer the research questions. The evaluation of the stakeholders' statements revealed several commonalities and differences regarding their understanding of AI. Crucial identified AI themes based on the main categories were as follows: possible curriculum contents, skills, and competencies; programming skills; curriculum scope; and curriculum structure. The analysis emphasizes integrating AI into medical curricula to ensure students' proficiency in clinical applications. Standardized AI comprehension is crucial for defining and teaching relevant content. Considering diverse perspectives in implementation is essential to comprehensively define AI in the medical context, addressing gaps and facilitating effective solutions for future AI use in medical studies. The results provide insights into potential curriculum content and structure, including aspects of AI in medicine.

Are Pre-clerkship Remediation, Grading, and Reporting Practices Equitable in the U.S.? A National Survey

Phenomenon: With the proliferation of pass/fail grading practices in the pre-clerkship phase of undergraduate medical education, questions arise about the transparency and variability of grading and grade reporting practices, raising issues of equity in assessment, particularly regarding residency matching. The purpose of this survey was to determine the remediation and academic performance reporting practices of United States (U.S.) allopathic medical schools in the pre-clerkship phase of their curricula. Approach: After an extensive literature search and feedback from curriculum deans and learning experts, we developed a survey that we sent in the Spring of 2022 to pre-clerkship curriculum officials at all 154 accredited U.S. allopathic medical schools. It addressed curriculum content and structure; pre-clerkship remediation (e.g., course retakes) and reporting (e.g., permanency of transcript notation) practices; documentation and reporting of nonacademic competencies; and participant opinions and recommendations regarding reporting, transparency, and equity. We generated descriptive statistics and did manifest coding of open-ended responses. Findings: We had a response rate of 40% (62/155), with over 71% indicating mainly organ systems-based curricula. Depending on the situation, there were a wide range of remediation approaches for single- and multiple-course failures, including tutoring or learning support, re-exams, and referrals to a promotion board. Professionalism concerns were a top priority to report to residency directors, with significant variability in respondent opinions and practices in reporting remedial activities. Respondents were concerned about equity, both in terms of flexible grading practices and transparency of reporting practices. Insights: The variability in reporting practices across schools, while allowing holistic and individualized approaches to academic support, also creates potential inequities. More work is needed to understand how different reporting practices across institutions may disadvantage marginalized and minoritized student groups at different points in their preparation.

The Imperative of Reforming the Somalia National Curriculum: Addressing Extremism, Historical Narratives, and Contemporary Challenges

Utilizing a reformed curriculum in the education sector is very critical in meeting learner’s needs and societal demands. As such, careful and well-thought-out curriculum reforms and content diversification ought to be undertaken to adequately address the changing needs of students both domestically and internationally. Somalia's education system was long affected by the war and hence in a bid to bring reforms, it is needful that the existing curriculum addresses extremism, historical narratives, and contemporary challenges. Equally, scholars and educators in Somalia report an urgent need for National Curriculum reform to rectify the biases that have been perpetuated through generations and shape the future of Somali learners. This article delves into the historical context of the “Revolutionary Somalia” era (1969-1990) and contemporary challenges to provide a ground for reforming the Somalia National Curriculum. It adopts a literature review based on Somalia to bring ground evidence on the imperative of reforming the Somalia National Curriculum. The paper specifically assessed extremism, historical narratives of militancy, and contemporary challenges facing the federal nation. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted to get the previously published literature constituting journal articles and reports. Resources legible for inclusion covered the subjects of extremism, climate change, Somalia scope, contemporary challenges, historical narratives, learners’ needs, pedagogy, 21st century skills, and shift from content to competencies. Using literature, the findings underscore that implemented curriculum and general folk heroes emphasize extreme nationalism, glorification of reckless behavior, and the influence of literature promoting intolerance, which has contributed to a divisive societal narrative. Moreover, the current curriculum inadequately addresses pressing concerns on terrorism, civic education, 21st-century skills, competencies, problem-solving, and climate change adaptation. The paper concludes that reforming the Somalia National Curriculum is imperative as it holds the power to shape the nation's future generations. The article recommends the Ministry of Learning, Culture & Higher Education to comprehensively overhaul the Somalia National Curriculum by revising the historical narratives, enhancing civics education, integrating discussions on extremism, terrorism, climate change adaptation, environmental preservation, emphasizing resilience, sustainability, adaptation strategies and their implications for societal cohesion and security to provide a more informed, tolerant and resilient Somali citizenry.

Using the Novel Musculoskeletal Emergency Medicine Assessment Tool: A Feasibility Study.

Background and objective While musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders account for a significant number of primary care and emergency department (ED) visits, there are widely recognized shortcomings and gaps in MSK education throughout medical training. Undergraduate medical education (UME) frequently fails to impart clinically relevant MSK knowledge, while many emergency medicine (EM) residency graduates report feeling unprepared to manage MSK complaints. Existing MSK assessments are not tailored to EM and may inaccurately assess specialty-specific MSK knowledge. The novel validated Musculoskeletal Emergency Medicine Assessment Tool (MEAT) holds great promise in standardizing EM MSK knowledge assessment. This trial of feasibility was conducted to assess the viability and practicality of using MEAT to evaluate MSK knowledge among incoming resident physicians in EM programs. Methods This feasibility study involved 21 incoming EM resident physicians from two programs at a single institution. MEAT was administered online during orientation, and demographic data and survey metadata were collected. UME MSK education details were obtained, and MEAT scores were analyzed. Results Participants reported no difficulties in accessing or understanding the 50-question online MEAT, resulting in a 100% response rate. The average pretest score for all interns was 29.9, with a median of 30. Most participants had documented UME MSK education, but curricular content varied widely. The participants took an average of 32 minutes to complete the assessment. Conclusions MEAT demonstrated successful implementation and high response rates, suggesting a high level of feasibility. Thetool can be used to assess baseline MSK knowledge and ultimately track progression during residency with the potential for evaluating educational interventions once further validation studies have been performed.Further adoption of MEAT across multiple EM residency programs will help to enhance the tool's generalizability.

IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON MARITIME EDUCATION: PERSPECTIVES OF JUNIOR CADETS

This research explores the impact of international standards on maritime education through the perspectives of 45 junior cadets. Utilizing qualitative methods, including interviews and observations, the study investigates the alignment of educational programs with standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Findings reveal a strong perception of alignment with international standards among participants, emphasizing the importance of consistency and global recognition in maritime education. Additionally, the analysis highlights the relevance of curriculum content to professional needs, the significance of continuous professional development, and the availability of opportunities for career advancement within educational institutions. The research contributes to discussions surrounding the optimization of maritime education and underscores the importance of lifelong learning and professionalism in preparing junior cadets for successful careers in the maritime industry.

Exploring perceptions of and attitudes towards tanning with school children, parents/carers and educators in Wales: A mixed methods study protocol for the SunChat study.

Skin cancer comprises half of all cancers in England and Wales. Most skin cancers can be prevented with safer sun exposure. As over exposure as a child can greatly increase future skin cancer risk, early and accessible sun safety education and promotion of sun safe behaviours is critical. Scientists agree there is no such thing as a 'safe tan', yet the public, including children, often have positive perceptions of tanned skin. To protect against future skin cancer, it is important to understand and address these misconceptions. The Curriculum for Wales with its area for Health and Well-being, and autonomy for schools in designing curriculum content, presents an ideal way to facilitate this exploration. Gather data regarding perceptions towards tanning to explore the perceived effects of a tan on health.Inform the development and testing of an educational toolkit for integration within the Curriculum for Wales to encourage positive health behaviours and attitudes of school children towards tanning and sun exposure. SunChat is a mixed methods exploratory study comprising three work streams: Workshops with school children to understand their perceptions on tanning.An online multiple-choice survey with parents/carers to understand perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards tanning both for themselves and their children.An informal focus group with primary school educators to explore challenges in engaging with the school community around the Health and Well-being Area in the Curriculum for Wales. To date, there has been no work in Wales exploring children's, parents/carers', and educators' perceptions of tanning and how healthier attitudes can be encouraged. This study will engage with participants to scope current perceptions on tanning and the perceived effects tanning has on health. Findings will feed into future toolkit and curriculum development for health in schools in Wales and beyond.

Purposeful design in health professions’ curriculum development

Background The content and delivery of a health professions' curriculum is often regarded as ‘intuitive’ and ‘self-defining’, based on commonly encountered professional roles, detailed knowledge of human structure, function and pathology, and opportunities to acquire necessary clinical and communication skills. However, a curriculum tends to develop, sometimes in unexpected ways, due to scientific advances, changes in teaching faculty and variations in clinical placement experience. Trends come and go, often without careful scrutiny and evaluation. A common result is curriculum 'creep', where learning may drift away from the original plan. Methods A review of available curriculum models produced several descriptions that appear to be based primarily on professional norms and traditions and not linked strongly to learning theories or expectations of employers and the community. Regulators accept variety in curriculua so long as agreed outcomes are achieved. Unless planned and maintained carefully, a curriculum may not necessarily prepare graduates well for a Results and discussion Health professions curricula are required to produce graduates not only with higher education qualifications but also capable of providing healthcare services needed by regulators, employers and their communities. The design includes curriculum content, curriculum delivery and assessment of learning, topics often listed separately in standards but in fact closely intertwined, ideally demonstrating constructive alignment that sends consistent messages and facilitates achievement of graduate outcomes. Purposeful design is a systematic approach to defining, developing, and assessing learning that produces competent graduates who will maintain currency throughout their careers. Just as with the human body, everything is connected so a change anywhere is likely to have implications for other parts of the curriculum ecosystem. The role of clinical cases, level of integration, balance of assessment tasks, use of technology, on-site or remote delivery, and choice of assessment methods are important considerations in curriculum design. Any changes should be strategic and aligned with vision, mission, and graduate outcomes. This paper provides a framework analogous to the human body that may facilitate purposeful design of health professions curricula.

From educator to facilitator: Healthcare professionals' experiences of, and views about, delivering a type 1 diabetes structured education programme (DAFNEplus ) informed by behavioural science.

The DAFNEplus programme incorporates behaviour change techniques into a modified educational intervention and was developed to help address the glycaemic drift observed amongst graduates of standard DAFNE programmes. As the programme's success will be contingent on staff buy-in, we explored healthcare professionals' experiences of, and views about, delivering DAFNEplus during a clinical trial to help inform decision making about rollout post-trial. We interviewed n = 18 nurses and dieticians who delivered DAFNEplus during the trial. Data were analysed thematically. While many shared initial reservations, all described how their experiences of DAFNEplus programme delivery had had a positive, transformative impact upon their perceptions and working practices. This transformation was enabled by initial training and supervision sessions, the confidence gained from using scripts to support novel programme content delivery, and experiences of delivering the programme and observing DAFNEplus principles being well received by, and having a positive impact on, attendees. Due to these positive experiences, interviewees described a strongly felt ethical mandate to use some DAFNEplus techniques and curriculum content in routine clinical care. While being supportive of a national rollout, they anticipated a variety of attitudinal and logistical (e.g. workload) challenges. This study provides a vital dimension to the evaluation of the DAFNEplus programme. Interviewees found the intervention to be acceptable and expressed high levels of buy-in. As well as offering potential endorsement for a national rollout, our findings offer insights which could help inform development and rollout of future behaviour change interventions to support diabetes self-management.

A Study on the Current Situation of English Teaching in Compulsory Education and Countermeasures

The purpose of this paper is to study the current situation and existing problems of English teaching in China's compulsory education stage, and to propose corresponding countermeasures. By analysing the current syllabus, curriculum, teaching objectives and contents, teaching methods and means, teaching evaluation and feedback, this paper finds that there are problems such as insufficient students’ interest in learning, teachers’ professional qualities and teaching abilities need to be improved, uneven distribution of educational resources, and high social and parental expectations of English education. Aiming at these problems, this paper puts forward countermeasure suggestions such as optimising curriculum and teaching content, improving teaching methods and means, improving teacher training and quality enhancement, strengthening the integration and distribution of educational resources, and adjusting social and parental expectations of education. It is hoped that the research in this paper can provide certain reference and learnings for the reform of English education in China’s compulsory education stage.

Unsettling Sociology Curriculum: Indigenous Content in Introductory Sociology Textbooks

Teaching introductory sociology is one of the primary means by which sociologists mobilize knowledge. Ongoing critical reflection on the content of sociology textbooks is therefore an important disciplinary enterprise. The current critical moment in which many nations, institutions, and publics face a reckoning with their historic and current relationships with Indigenous peoples presents sociologists with the opportunity to examine how Indigenous peoples, histories, and perspectives are to be found in these pedagogical materials. Drawing on Critical Indigenous scholarship that “disrupts the certainty of disciplinary knowledges[’]” concept of “connected sociologies,” we examine the state of inclusion of Indigenous content in introductory sociology curriculum. To achieve this, we conducted a content analysis of 10 of the top-selling English-language Canadian introductory sociology textbooks, and we drew directly from interviews with Indigenous scholars. By introducing the literature on solidarity and allyship in the final section, we conclude with teaching and learning actions to incorporate in sociology courses.

Nothing About Us Without Us: Improving Representation of Disability in Medical School Curriculum Through Explicit Inclusion.

Medical school curricula across the United States fail to adequately prepare students to provide high-quality care to and advocate for patients with disabilities. To address this shortcoming at one large, urban medical school, the Curriculum Committee at Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) formed a taskforce of students and faculty to evaluate the degree and quality of disability representation in its undergraduate medical education (UME) curriculum. Taskforce members solicited input from five community members in various fields of disability advocacy to craft recommendations that reflected this community's vision for disability education in UME. Community partners suggested areas of focus including clinical skills, accessibility of healthcare facilities, awareness of intersectionality with other identities, acknowledgment of bias, and respect for the patient's autonomy via their "right to risk." The taskforce report to the Curriculum Committee included 9 recommendations for curricular revision based on community partner suggestions, 6 of which were accepted and are being implemented into the curricular content for the class of 2026 and beyond. This novel approach to implementing curricular change could encourage other medical schools to evaluate their own curricula through the lens of disability and prompt curricular revision with the input of community partners with disabilities, students, and, faculty.

Assessment of School Heads’ Management Practices on Teachers’ Professional Development

Teachers’ professional development is crucial for fostering a high-quality educational environment. It equips teachers with the latest pedagogical skills, enhances their knowledge base, and ensures they remain effective in delivering curriculum content. School heads’ management practices for teachers’ professional development are vital for significantly enhancing educational quality and outcomes. Mentoring, facilitating training attendance, and making strategic teacher assignments are all effective management practices that can foster a supportive and growth-oriented environment. This study aimed to assess the school heads’ management practices on the professional development of elementary teachers. The study utilized a descriptive survey method, collecting data from 21 school heads and 186 teachers through a validated researcher-made questionnaire and unstructured interviews. Statistical analysis, including a weighted mean and an independent t-test, was employed to interpret the data. The study revealed that school heads view their management practices in mentoring, training attendance, and teacher assignments as highly effective, whereas they perceive monitoring as moderately effective. However, teachers generally rated these practices as moderately effective, highlighting a discrepancy between the two groups’ perceptions. Significant differences were noted in their perceptions of mentoring, training attendance, and assignments; however, both groups are aligned in their perceptions of the effectiveness of monitoring practices as moderately effective.

Settler teachers’ engagement with first nations content in the Australian curriculum

ABSTRACT Situated in the curriculum space created by the recent enhancements to First Nations content is the opportunity for teachers to better connect with First Nations perspectives. Using constructivist theory methodology and drawing on two studies, a small qualitative school-based study of teachers who teach in the early years of schooling, and a large-scale study of professional development across two Australian states, the paper explores teachers’ preparedness to teach First Nations content. The tenets of critical literacy frame the discussion and are positioned as reflective tools that can be used to support the ‘settler teacher’ in self-reflection. Audio-recorded transcripts of planning sessions, a teacher survey, comments from feedback forms and researcher memos form the data sets. Findings from the study necessitate discursive practices for the development of teacher knowledge, dispositions, and confidence, and highlight the imperative for teacher critical self-reflection.

Modern vocal pedagogy: Investigating a potential curricular framework for training popular music singing teachers

This study explores the content and pertinence of a curricular framework for training popular music (PM) singing teachers. The author conducted three extensive literature review studies over two years via an action research framework to investigate common areas of interest for potential pedagogical strategy. She developed a draft curricular topic framework, incorporating five PM-specific areas: vocal health and hygiene, PM stylistic advice, microphones/audio technology, resonance and breathing technique. Five international PM voice teaching representatives took part in the research as focus group participants and provided feedback on the curriculum content. Data from this feedback were analysed in an iterative cycle process and adjustments suggested. Findings from this study indicate that such a curriculum would be both necessary and timely. Suggestions were made to amend some elements and to place greater emphasis on aesthetic artistry, cultural context and emotional intent.

A Qualitative Program Evaluation of a Digital Peer Support Group for Formerly Incarcerated People

Abstract: Objectives: A qualitative program evaluation of the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) group, a peer-led mutual support group for formerly incarcerated people, was conducted to understand participant perceptions of (1) digital delivery via Zoom, (2) curriculum content, (3) roles of group participants, and (4) therapeutic value of FIPS group as it relates to traumatic experiences in prison and ongoing challenges after release. Methods: Using a community-based participatory action research approach, a qualitative evaluation was conducted with participants in either the 2020 or 2021 curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed, de-identified, coded, and analyzed via applied thematic analysis and results reviewed with participants. Results: Of 75 formerly incarcerated participants, 20 interviews were conducted and recorded ( n = 20). All participants were male, 85% were Black, and the average age was 54.8 years old. Zoom delivery was not preferred, but feasible. Most appreciated the comprehensive and holistic curriculum that enabled peers to gain practical and emotional social support in different areas of life after release. The facilitator’s experience with prison programs and relationships within peer networks was essential for recruitment and retention. Participants described (1) feelings of acceptance, (2) examples of teaching and learning from peers’ improved insight, trigger management, response modification to stressors, and (3) improved understanding within relationships with those who have not been incarcerated. Conclusions: Digital delivery of peer-led psychosocial support groups for formerly incarcerated people is feasible and impactful. Future research can further characterize the lingering impacts of institutional traumas and quantify changes.

Curriculum Development Management in Islamic Boarding Schools: Effective Strategies in Countering Radicalism

This research analyzes effective managerial strategies in developing Islamic boarding school curricula to prevent radicalism. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach focusing on two Islamic boarding schools in Banten Province: Al-Mizan Cikole and Daar Falah Mandalawangi. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis with stages of reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results show that the curriculum implemented is integrative, comprehensive, and independent, fostering positive interactions between students, teachers (ustadz), and religious leaders (kyai) in the Islamic boarding school community. Kyai and their administrators serve as role models, and mosques act as centers of activity where no radical ideology is taught or spread. Curriculum planning and content reflect collective efforts to prevent radicalism, providing significant benefits to the quality of education in Islamic boarding schools. The management program for curriculum development to prevent internal and external radicalism has been implemented and carried out systematically from primary education to higher education. It is recommended that the integrative and comprehensive curriculum approach be maintained and continuously improved. Regular training and workshops for teachers and kyai should improve their anti-radicalism education skills. Collaboration with experts and external institutions must be fostered to enrich the curriculum with diverse perspectives. A continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanism must be established to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in preventing radicalism and make necessary adjustments.

Maintaining Local Languages Through Local Content Curriculum: Analysis of Contextual Approaches and Field Learning

It is not impossible that language undergoes changes over time. The existence of local languages among teenagers and young people is no longer a communicative language choice in the environment where they are. The purpose of this research is to elaborate on the role of education, especially local curriculum, in preserving the local language by involving contextual approaches and field learning to teach the local language in schools. This study applies qualitative description with a literature review approach. Data is obtained by collecting reference materials such as books, theses, and journals manually and online. Manual data collection is done at the library, while online data collection involves downloading e-books and scientific journals from the last 10 years. The data are analyzed using content analysis, which involves reviewing books, journals, and theses to answer formulated questions. The results of this study indicate that an effective method for implementing local language learning is a method with contextual approaches and field learning. The contextual method applies components of constructivism, questioning, exploration, modeling, and authentic assessment. Meanwhile, field learning brings students closer to the relevance of context in learning the local language

STUDENT PERCEPTION OF THE NEW PARADIGM INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM AT PIAUD

This research aims to determine the perceptions of PIAUD undergraduate students regarding the new paradigm of an independent curriculum at the Early Childhood Education level. Data collection used an open questionnaire using purposive sampling techniques. The Method uses a descriptive qualitative with a case study. The location used is in the Early Childhood Islamic Education Study Program (PIAUD) Muhammadiyah Probolinggo Islamic College. The research subjects were all students of the 4th semester Islamic Early Childhood Education study program, totaling 19 people who took the Early Childhood Learning Design course. The result shows that the content and structure of the independent curriculum are substantively more simple and deeper, because it is focuses on the self-development of students, students have diverse opinions regarding the independent curriculum where in learning the Independent curriculum students are trained to express opinions with more critical, creative, and motivated in solving every learning challenge they face, and teachers are required to be more creative in determining and designing learning activities by adjusting the conditions and needs of each class.

Integrating Quranic Framework for Digital Literacy Curriculum in Madrasa

The growing prevalence of teenagers engaging with the internet poses a multifaceted challenge, demanding a concerted response. With issues ranging from exposure to illicit content to the potential risks of online behavior, adolescents necessitate guidance to navigate the digital realm safely and ethically. The need for a Quranic-based digital literacy curriculum arises from the imperative to provide teenagers with a comprehensive framework for navigating the internet that goes beyond mere technical skills. By framing digital literacy within a Quranic context, students can learn to utilize the internet in a healthy and ethical manner, while also gaining a deeper understanding of their role in society. Throughout the curriculum, students would engage in reflection activities where they connect Quranic teachings to their own digital experiences. This article discusses the development of a Quran-based Digital Literacy Curriculum for students in MTs. Terpadu Ar-Roihan Lawang Malang. The curriculum was developed using the Research and Development method through ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model, and aimed to address the misuse of personal information and content on the internet. The curriculum was designed to provide students with clear learning objectives, guidance on how to navigate digital challenges, and reflection on Quranic verses related to digital literacy. Based on the validation conducted by four qualified assessors specializing in media and curriculum content, the Quran-based digital literacy curriculum has been assessed to be of high quality. The average scores for both the curriculum media (3.75) and curriculum content (3.88) indicate strong performance in both aspects. Moreover, the total average score of 3.82 suggests an overall very good curriculum product. The curriculum also evaluated on students, with positive feedback received from both students and teachers. Both students and teachers noted that the curriculum's focus on real-life scenarios and practical skills made the content highly relevant. Suggestions for future research include expanding the curriculum to a broader audience, evaluating the effectiveness over a longer period, exploring the integration of technology, and investigating the effectiveness in addressing other digital literacy topics.

The university bundle: Unpacking the sources of undergraduate moral socialization

ABSTRACT Recent evidence suggests that higher education promotes moral attitudes typical of the progressive left. What aspects of the university experience contribute to this moral change? We conduct an exploratory analysis unpacking how curricular content and peer networks—two aspects of the ‘bundle’ of social influences that occur in university settings—might affect moral attitudes. Using two waves of data from students at a Canadian university (n = 232), we find some evidence that exposure to content related to social justice and involvement in left-leaning university peer circles can promote more individualistic forms of morality over ‘binding’ moral concerns for traditional social order, and heighten a more absolutist endorsement of social justice. Taken together, the university experience appears to be morally formative, but not uniformly so: moral change is shaped by a combination of factors implicating both formal and informal aspects of university life which students experience at varying rates.