According to Simonds and Cooper (2011), ethical issues are inherent in the teaching profession and, more specifically, in the classroom. It is essential for teachers to be aware of issues and questions concerning clarity of course requirements, evaluating students, grading standards, favoritism, enforcement of rules, and effects of bias or prejudice. Regardless of student gender, race, culture or abilities, all students should be treated fairly and made to feel safe and comfortable inside the classroom.
In addition, ethical standards in education are pertinent to the success of a student and to the establishment of a positive, supportive classroom environment. Teachers must always be aware of ethical dilemmas and strive to uphold correct morals and values when it comes to education. When a school sets ethical standards for their students and staff, it motivates everyone to reach for higher achievement and establishes a strong educational environment.
METHODS TO RESOLVE CERTAIN ISSUES:
Audience analysis: The teacher should consider the gender, culture, values, and background of the students in her class.
Political system: The teacher should also consider the political system of her class when thinking about ethical reasoning. For example, are the standards being applied to a democracy or a dictatorship?
According to Simonds and Cooper (2011), the teaching-learning process is primarily a communication process that relies largely on the interactive behaviors of students and teachers. There are several variables that prohibit effective communication and can adversely affect the learning process. These variables include sexism, ethnocentrism, classism, racism, and ableism. Each of these concerns create communication barriers in the classroom. Our job as an educator is to be able to recognize these barriers then adapt and change the way we communicate with our students more competently.
Sexism- This is when you favor one gender over the other. To overcome this barrier, teachers must be as fair and ensure that both genders have equal opportunities in the classroom.
Ethnocentrism- Thinking that one's own ethnicity is superior to others. To overcome this, teachers need to take the time to learn about the different cultures of his or her students. They also need to make sure each student is welcomed into the classroom regardless of their background.
Classism- Making assumptions about someone based on their social class. Teachers must not stereotype students based on their family income level and recognize that all students are able to learn, even those in poverty.
Racism- Discrimination against someone based on their race. Teachers must be very careful not to make judgements based on one's skin color. Teachers need to make all students feel welcomed and cared for, regardless of their race.
Albeism- Discrimination based on one's physical or mental abilities. Teachers need to be accepting of all students, especially of those with disabilities. Students that have disabilities should always be included within the classroom.
Teachers must be very aware of the “isms” in our classrooms. Environments where the students do not feel accepted, are not environments where effective student learning can occur. When teaching students, it is essential to take the time to get to know them. Recognizing and nurturing the differences and uniqueness of each student is essential for effective communication. Understanding their backgrounds and what they bring to class each day will allow you to recognize that each student is an individual and should not be placed in a category (Simonds & Cooper, 2011).
Human nature: This should be respected when making ethical decisions. This would mean that individual differences would be looked at within the political structure of the class.
Dialogical perspective: This means that the teacher should listen to all sides of the story when making an ethical decision.
Situational perspective: This means that ethical decisions are made based upon the particular situation.
Legal perspective: This means the judicial system would be determining ethical decisions.
Personal code of ethics: The teacher's own personal values which can be looked at after reflecting on the various approaches.
Ethics and Positive Learning Environments
Ethics play a huge part in creating a positive learning climate in the classroom. When creating a supportive environment, teachers should be proactive rather than reactive. Each student should be treated fairly and as an individual. In order for the classroom climate to remain positive throughout the year, teachers should do the following:
- Organize instruction and support activities
- Implement techniques for conflict resolution
- Set the tone in the first class
- Demonstrate mastery and enthusiasm of subjects
- Review skills
- Assign work carefully
- Develop fair tests
- Monitor student involvement
- Be aware of barriers to learning
- Prepare and plan classroom rules and procedures in advance
- Communicate expectations clearly
- Establish routines, procedures, and expectations for appropriate performance
- Systematically monitor student work and behavior
- Provide feedback about academic performance and behavior
The following video taken from YouTube shows a teacher making several unethical decisions when working with students with disabilities in his class.
Communication Concerns and Strategies That Support Diversity
Sexism- This is when you favor one gender over the other. To overcome this barrier, teachers must be as fair and ensure that both genders have equal opportunities in the classroom.
Ethnocentrism- Thinking that one's own ethnicity is superior to others. To overcome this, teachers need to take the time to learn about the different cultures of his or her students. They also need to make sure each student is welcomed into the classroom regardless of their background.
Classism- Making assumptions about someone based on their social class. Teachers must not stereotype students based on their family income level and recognize that all students are able to learn, even those in poverty.
Racism- Discrimination against someone based on their race. Teachers must be very careful not to make judgements based on one's skin color. Teachers need to make all students feel welcomed and cared for, regardless of their race.
Albeism- Discrimination based on one's physical or mental abilities. Teachers need to be accepting of all students, especially of those with disabilities. Students that have disabilities should always be included within the classroom.
Teachers must be very aware of the “isms” in our classrooms. Environments where the students do not feel accepted, are not environments where effective student learning can occur. When teaching students, it is essential to take the time to get to know them. Recognizing and nurturing the differences and uniqueness of each student is essential for effective communication. Understanding their backgrounds and what they bring to class each day will allow you to recognize that each student is an individual and should not be placed in a category (Simonds & Cooper, 2011).
The following video taken from YouTube highlights the importance of celebrating diversity in the classroom.
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