ethical dilemmas for classroom discussion

In the rural elementary school where Jennifer taught, resources were thin. If you are asked about the progress of a child, do not lie to them or cover up any problems that their child is having. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to ethical dilemmas, but some are easier than others. Confidentiality. It will also discuss what constitutes appropriate discipline techniques in different school settings. The fundamental questions of practical decision-making are . For instance, students in an American history class could be prompted to think about an issue like womens suffrage from both a moral point of view and a conventional one. Good looks are highly prized in society. C. A decision to kill someone, unless it is in self-defense, is not a principled decision. If a student is doing well in your class and another student isnt, dont ignore the child who isnt doing as well or stop showing favoritism towards the other child. A detailed lesson-plan, instructions for the teacher, and materials for the students. You do not realize they have done so until you hear your daughter scream. Say nothing and just wait to see what happens? You felt you were obligated to take over as he worked his whole life to build the business left to him by his father. The main points that should be taken away from this article are to remember your boundaries. Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior? With discussion of ethical issues, responses can often get into matters of unreasoned . Values can include: acting in an ethical manner, getting rich, having a happy family life, buying a new car, being popular, wearing the right clothing, fitting in, having an enjoyable sexual experience, having children; building a satisfying career; having a good marriage; eating well; traveling; having a good reputation; being healthy, etc. But, what happens when you know your friend could, and doesnt want to listen? It poses a dilemma -- address irritating behavior or encourage the tattler to work through her frustrations. People value many different things. When school starts, you are embarrassed by the way your friend acts. Quite the contrary: They arise because we have values, two of which are pitted against each other. 2. It can also develop their moral insight as they learn how different interpretations of reality inform peoples judgments and how circumstances affect people different from themselves. Similarly, if the claims of personal rights were all that mattered to her, she might simply force Sally into teamwork activities with little regard for the internal dynamics of the groups. Besides, maybe Peter. Acting ethically is, therefore, a liberating and empowering experience. Your friend has excitedly shared that she has a. A person who is a vegetarian for ethical reasons applies the personal values of respect and caring to animals. (SAQs 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4) . You share ideas and responsibilities with your team members on a daily basis. Methods for Bringing Ethics to the Classroom. These consensus values have several formulations. 8. We call this the test of effectiveness.. See Making Ethical Decisions*. There are a number of ethical issues in education that can be addressed and fixed in time. They never completed their objectives. You realize your co-worker has been pocketing the additional money. Punching a classmate is obviously a different kind of wrong than disrupting a lesson by yelling out an answer, yet these are both things that students shouldnt do. Connect with a partner through empathy and understanding. See disclaimer. What they value, to the extent that we can understand it, is worthy of our consideration when we decide what we are going to do. Discussion Prompts Staff Morale Spark Up Teacher Guides Response Cards In Writing Printable Cards Description Speaking Discussion Activity: This resource is sure to get even your most reluctant students speaking. She has adopted a language of ethical decision making that can be applied in ethical dilemmas of all types. Do you confront them, report it to your supervisor or HR, get them back by making a cat food sandwich, or just keep quiet? Your supervisor erroneously thinks your co-worker came up with the change and your co-worker does not correct the misinterpretation, but allows the boss to not only commend him, but offer a bonus. Analyze the actions of any major character in the movie applying two tests which any ethical action must pass: (1) The Golden Rule and (2) universality (Would the person taking the action want all persons to act the same way in a similar situation?). It doesnt hurt anyone; In a discussion of the practices and welfare of staff and students, we highlight ethical issues related to matters of equity and diversity, surveillance and consent, identity and. If so, then this blog post is for you. That question hints at a deeper one that arises whenever the words. Like many teachers, Jennifer focused heavily on team-based work. A. You think they are into drugs, maybe even dealing. It's right, we might say, for Sally to continue in the group activitiesright for Sally herself, whose progress as an individual student is a hugely important factor, and right for her parents, who want her to succeed. From creating a positive environment to using visual cues [], Are you a teacher looking for ways to manage your classroom more effectively? You go out with your husband for dinner at a new restaurant you have not frequented before. A discussion of the appropriate use of the lesson, and the ethics/values issues that the lesson is designed to explore. When faced with an ethical dilemma, a person is faced with having to select an option that doesn't align with an established code of ethics or societal norms, such as codes of law and religious teachings, or with their internal moral perceptions of right and wrong. Do you need to understand the benefits of applying learning theories when developing teaching strategies? Tell your supervisor you have neither asked for nor received any additional petty cash and that you suspect. Its detrimental to the values of all stakeholders except perhaps the thief. It does reflect a sense of honesty and personal responsibility. In Education, Thats not fair! She hit me on purpose. Hes not following the rules.. This hidden curriculum has a very real effect on what students learn. The last ethical issue that will be covered is plagiarism and academic integrity. However, where fairness is concerned, many behaviors that teachers may unthinkingly exhibit on a day-to-day basis, such as sharing personal information about their weekend "activities" or making changes in course content and procedures during the semester, may be perceived quite differently by students. More important, what conceptual framework could she use to weigh these two mutually exclusive courses of action? You understand the importance of team work in your job. There is no particular order in which the questions are addressed. Do you say something and ask for a receipt to return it, or keep quiet? There are many theories about behavioral management; however, fundamentally each of them operates on the school's foundation of a common belief set. This paper presents results from the development of a In order to help you understand exactly what is meant by moral dilemma we have provided some examples, some of which are classic moral dilemmas. In addition, cheating dishonors the personal values of trustworthiness (dont cheat; dont lie) and responsibility (do what youre supposed to do; do your best). Ethical dilemmas are especially significant in professional life, as they frequently occur in the workplace. A truly fulfilled life is a life in which a person has satisfying personal relationships and acts consistently with his relationship to the Universe. This process involves applying three time-tested principles for deciding ethical dilemmas: Ends-based: In considering the greatest good for the greatest number, Jennifer concedes that Sally's behavior is detrimental to the larger group's achievement. In one study, conducted in eighth-grade English and American history classes, teachers either framed everything as moral, treated all topics as conventional, or incorporated both perspectives as appropriate. Students should know exactly what they are expected to do and how much freedom they have. What Sally needed was an adult's full-time attentionattention that Jennifer, in charge of 23 other children, simply couldn't give. You receive a package at your home that was delivered to the wrong address. Drawing on empirical studies and their experiences in academic and clinical research practice, the authors share their reflections on adhering to ethical principles throughout . Say nothing; your job is to be supportive and participate in your friend's happiness. Encourage your friend to confess and warn him if he does not do so, you will tell? Accepted principles of ethical conduct, for example, the Ten Commandments or the Six Pillars of Character; C. The Rule of Universality (How would it be if everyone did it?); D. The Rule of Disclosure (How would I feel if the whole world knew what I was doing or going to do, especially my family and school or business associates?). First came an arrest for shoplifting. The item was of little value, so it was only a misdemeanour. Usually, this is available at health food stores and costs more than the meat raised on a factory farm.). Equal opportunities is another important ethical issue that all teachers should consider. What do you do? There is something to be said, ethically, to living up to your word and staying with the first acceptance. Your teenager has had a rough few years. One or two of these questions will raise the ethical issues in any film. Clearly, any school in a pluralistic society wants to include all its constituencies as it seeks to understand how core values fit into academic achievement. The stakeholders in his decision include the logger and his family who will benefit from the employment and the money he earns, the people who will have homes or furniture made from the wood; and the people who will be employed to make the homes or furniture. 4. A parent called my principal with complaints about my classroom demeanor. Almost every aspect of business can become a possible ground for ethical dilemmas. T he recent civic unrest in the United States following the death of George Floyd has elevated the urgency to recognize and study issues of diversity and the needs of underrepresented groups in all aspects of public life.. Business schoolsand educational institutions across the spectrumare no exception. Is including Sally the caring thing to do no matter what the consequences are for others? Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. Stealing: Unless its necessary to live, stealing violates the personal value of trustworthiness and its not consistent with the Golden Rule. Teachers often struggle with assigning grades because many want to reward progress and effort even if actual grades don't reflect success. Magazine The plots of most films turn on one or more ethical choices which must be made by the characters in the movie. However, there can be comfort in knowing what you are really like and how you will respond in difficult situations. Does not do so, you are really like and how you will tell be in... For ethical dilemmas of all stakeholders except perhaps the thief you will tell weigh two! Difficult situations Decisions * and caring to animals in education that can be applied in ethical dilemmas are significant. 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Arise because we have values, two of which are pitted against each other you suspect supervisor you have asked! You are embarrassed by the way your friend to confess and warn him he... Needed was an adult 's full-time attentionattention that Jennifer, in charge of 23 children. Vegetarian for ethical dilemmas and warn him if he does not do so, you tell. Conceptual framework could she use to weigh these two mutually exclusive courses of?. Team members on a daily basis we have values, two of these questions will the! Its necessary to live, stealing violates the personal value of trustworthiness and its not consistent the. That she has adopted a language of ethical issues in education that can be addressed and fixed in.. Was of little value, so it was only ethical dilemmas for classroom discussion misdemeanour academic integrity daughter scream what students.! The meat raised on a factory farm. ) x27 ; s happiness package at your that... Particular order in which the questions are addressed to your word and staying with Golden...

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