An enquiry-based assessment strategy for the study of global information ethics

A case study is presented describing a particular approach to assessment that was adopted for a postgraduate elective module entitled “Libraries and Publishing in the Information Society”. The assignment included a group research and presentation task analysing barriers to information flows in a country of the groups’ own choice. Students had access to group discussion boards to help them complete the task. This was complemented by an individual written account in which students reflected on their own learning and on their performance in accomplishing the task. The rationale behind the mode of assessment was the integration of transferable skills into the curriculum; the development of a value-led approach to learning about ethical issues in a global information society; and the encouragement in students of a reflective approach to their own practice.