Ethics PPT1

Ethics: An Introduction : 

Ethics: An Introduction EDF 2720: Children in Schools

Ethics: The Mainstay of our Profession : 

Ethics: The Mainstay of our Profession What exactly is ethics? How do you define ethics?

Ethics Defined : 

Ethics Defined

Slide 4: 

Ethics is a compilation of moral standards by which we, as teachers (and other professions) use to guide our lives, our actions, and our decisions. By the time individuals are in teacher education programs, they should know right from wrong. An individual’s moral fiber should have been developed over the years. Consequently, there is no class that can teach "ethics" per se.

Slide 5: 

Ethics isn't just a matter for teachers; students, too, should have a well developed sense of ethics and what's right or wrong. Unfortunately, there are many studies that show that ethical behavior may be lacking. "If our students in the high schools see no problems with different elements of cheating, what does that mean for society as a whole?"

Cheating on the Rise Among High School Students : 

Cheating on the Rise Among High School Students

What are the parameters for ethics in education? : 

What are the parameters for ethics in education? We discussed part of this in the legality module. There are administrative codes (we look at them in the Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct) that govern aspects of teacher behavior, teaching procedures, and assessment of student learning. We also know that teachers are responsible for student learning and safety-- both intellectually and physically. However, teacher ethics goes beyond that of legalities. Because of the potential influence that teachers have on their students, we need to also look on ethics on a personal level.

Role Models : 

Role Models Teachers need to be cognizant of the "power" that they have on students. Like it or not, teachers are role models for their students, so teachers need to watch their own behavior and conduct inside and outside of schools as well as their attitudes about people. As we all know, attitudes can be transmitted by verbal or non-verbal means.

One web site put it this way: : 

One web site put it this way: The teacher's code of ethics comprises his/her duties, responsibilities, attitude, honesty, and most of all - fairness. One can become a better teacher by becoming a better human being, ..... Some might say that the only ethical teachers in these systems are those who break away from the prevalent doctrine that disseminates misinformation, provided, of course, they uphold high morality standards at the personal level."

So, what are considered the absolute breaches in teacher ethics? : 

So, what are considered the absolute breaches in teacher ethics? Having inappropriate relationships with students (sexual, business partnership, "after school buddies", drinking binges, etc) Violation of clearly stated school rules and educational procedures Failing to perform duties (no teaching, chaos, wrong attitude toward the teaching profession, etc) Imposing on students personal views unrelated to the subject of a lesson or promoting such, especially some that do not represent the main stream (extreme political or religious views, views on controversial social issues, interests of a particular social group, etc).

Breaches in teacher ethics, page 2 : 

Breaches in teacher ethics, page 2 Improper grading, partiality, and lack of fairness (based on who is liked, who is not; race, past performance, background, etc) Exposing students to embarrassment or disparagement (emotional or psychological harassment) Invading students' privacy Engaging students in unethical behavior Accepting gifts and favors, quid pro quo ("for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous") Deceiving students and their parents.

Warning, New Teachers!!! : 

Warning, New Teachers!!! Improper grading, partiality, and lack of fairness (based on who is liked, who is not; race, past performance, background, etc) tend to pose the most problems to new teachers because assessment can be one of the most perceptual aspects of teaching.

After all, as A. Osobka added in a reflection, : 

After all, as A. Osobka added in a reflection, "The most common ethical problem that any teacher will face at some point in time is the bias-free assessment of students. Teachers are supposed to create a learning environment that fosters autonomy and guides students in their learning experience. An important part of their work is evaluation of students' knowledge and progress. Without such an assessment, one cannot determine if the learning is taking place. .... But what does a "to assess a student" mean?

Slide 14: 

Any time a teacher is called upon to use a judgment call in assessing students, he or she should be able to justify that grade if a parent and/or administrator calls the grade into question. Having appropriate justification is one way to safe-guard yourself as a teacher.

Slide 15: 

Over the past few years, the different states have tried to "tighten up" requirements and statutes after having some disreputable teachers make the news.