Ethical Practice
Ethical practice
Ethical practice comes under an umbrella of morals and beliefs. All professions encompass complex issues that require tough decisions. Ethics encompass: Morality, Behaviour, Codes of Conduct, Duty of Care, decision making and sensitivity to cultural diversity. Ethical practice is underpinned by an educational framework based on several philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates. (CQU, lecture notes 2014) Ethics according to Newman & Pollnitz (2000, p. 5) is the formal study of morality, it is studying beliefs people have about what judgements are morally right and wrong for individuals and groups of people. Professional ethics, is the application of ethics to our professional lives. Ethical thinking is about addressing ‘tough choices’ (Kidder, 1995, p.18).
Personal ethics come from how you personally have been bought up, what choices you make outside of your work and groups.
Group Ethics is being able to make a judgement not based on your own personal ethics. It is sharing professional standards and values, following a code of conduct and set of procedures and guidelines, communicating effectively with staff, and understanding a common goal.
Ethical theories incorporate a series of basic principles to guide action. A code of ethics is the statement of a set of principles about the way an individual or group should behave in order to uphold the professional values of that group. (Newman & Pollnitz 2000, p. 10) Ewing, Lowrie and Higgs (2010) suggest teachers must develop sensitivity to ethical practices by critically reflecting, monitoring thinking and influences with regards to personal, political and social values.
The Australian Professional standards for teachers ensures a teacher understands the code of ethics required to provide students with a safe learning and working environment, where students can learn without fear or harm. The teacher registration recognizes that a high standard of preparation, conduct and practice is upheld. Applying Code of Ethics: Integrity, Dignity, Responsibility, Respect, Justice and Care is imperative to ensure laws and codes are adhered to .
One type of approach used in schools is the guidance and a care-based ethical approach.This approach is used on a daily basis, to ensure students are learning to develop social, emotional learning experiences and life skills. Newman and Pollnitz (2002, p.6) suggest rule based thinking is about following the highest sense of principles despite all consequences. In an educational setting it is imperative to follow the code of conduct, student protection and the Australian professional standards to ensure a child’s safety. This means by law we must report suspicion of harm. Care based thinking ensures we have the students best interest. Newman and Pollnitz (2002, p.7) state in care-based thinking concern and well-being for others is taken into account. However it’s essential to understand the guidelines and determine code of ethics to ensure correct practice. Understanding professional ethical standards will determine the right decision about when to use a care-based ethical approach. The Newman and Pollnitz “Ethical response cycle” ensures professionals can define a difficult situation, make a judgment, take action, document the evidence and information, and reflect on future practice. The ethical cycle provides legal aspects, professional considerations, ethical principles and theories to allow for informed decisions.
The Australian professional standards for teachers is a public statement of what constitutes a quality teacher. The standards provide the explicit elements required to be teaching in the 21st century. The standards ensure professionals follow the framework which makes explicit the knowledge, practice and professional engagement across a teachers career.( 2011, p.3) Engaging in professional ethical practice encompasses modelling exemplary behaviour and making informed judgements in all professional dealings with students , colleagues and the wider community. Furthermore ethical practice encompasses complying with, initiating and continually developing and implementing legislative, administrative and organisational professional responsibilities. (2011, p.19)
Ethical practice comes under an umbrella of morals and beliefs. All professions encompass complex issues that require tough decisions. Ethics encompass: Morality, Behaviour, Codes of Conduct, Duty of Care, decision making and sensitivity to cultural diversity. Ethical practice is underpinned by an educational framework based on several philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates. (CQU, lecture notes 2014) Ethics according to Newman & Pollnitz (2000, p. 5) is the formal study of morality, it is studying beliefs people have about what judgements are morally right and wrong for individuals and groups of people. Professional ethics, is the application of ethics to our professional lives. Ethical thinking is about addressing ‘tough choices’ (Kidder, 1995, p.18).
Personal ethics come from how you personally have been bought up, what choices you make outside of your work and groups.
Group Ethics is being able to make a judgement not based on your own personal ethics. It is sharing professional standards and values, following a code of conduct and set of procedures and guidelines, communicating effectively with staff, and understanding a common goal.
Ethical theories incorporate a series of basic principles to guide action. A code of ethics is the statement of a set of principles about the way an individual or group should behave in order to uphold the professional values of that group. (Newman & Pollnitz 2000, p. 10) Ewing, Lowrie and Higgs (2010) suggest teachers must develop sensitivity to ethical practices by critically reflecting, monitoring thinking and influences with regards to personal, political and social values.
The Australian Professional standards for teachers ensures a teacher understands the code of ethics required to provide students with a safe learning and working environment, where students can learn without fear or harm. The teacher registration recognizes that a high standard of preparation, conduct and practice is upheld. Applying Code of Ethics: Integrity, Dignity, Responsibility, Respect, Justice and Care is imperative to ensure laws and codes are adhered to .
One type of approach used in schools is the guidance and a care-based ethical approach.This approach is used on a daily basis, to ensure students are learning to develop social, emotional learning experiences and life skills. Newman and Pollnitz (2002, p.6) suggest rule based thinking is about following the highest sense of principles despite all consequences. In an educational setting it is imperative to follow the code of conduct, student protection and the Australian professional standards to ensure a child’s safety. This means by law we must report suspicion of harm. Care based thinking ensures we have the students best interest. Newman and Pollnitz (2002, p.7) state in care-based thinking concern and well-being for others is taken into account. However it’s essential to understand the guidelines and determine code of ethics to ensure correct practice. Understanding professional ethical standards will determine the right decision about when to use a care-based ethical approach. The Newman and Pollnitz “Ethical response cycle” ensures professionals can define a difficult situation, make a judgment, take action, document the evidence and information, and reflect on future practice. The ethical cycle provides legal aspects, professional considerations, ethical principles and theories to allow for informed decisions.
The Australian professional standards for teachers is a public statement of what constitutes a quality teacher. The standards provide the explicit elements required to be teaching in the 21st century. The standards ensure professionals follow the framework which makes explicit the knowledge, practice and professional engagement across a teachers career.( 2011, p.3) Engaging in professional ethical practice encompasses modelling exemplary behaviour and making informed judgements in all professional dealings with students , colleagues and the wider community. Furthermore ethical practice encompasses complying with, initiating and continually developing and implementing legislative, administrative and organisational professional responsibilities. (2011, p.19)
As new professional I
must understand and implement ethical practice within ALL areas of my life,
this will ensure I help students and engage learners in a safe and ethical
manner. Knowing what to access, how to collaborate within the parameters, will
give me the ability to continually
develop my professional standards.
"Mandy implements within her daily planning behaviour goals that are inclusive and address the school codes of Safety, Responsibility, and Respect. She engages students to take ownership of their classroom environment by providing them with opportunities to create the goals" K Bateman Mentor (2015).
"Mandy implements within her daily planning behaviour goals that are inclusive and address the school codes of Safety, Responsibility, and Respect. She engages students to take ownership of their classroom environment by providing them with opportunities to create the goals" K Bateman Mentor (2015).