SUBJECT NAME PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICS IN EDUCATION (SEMESTER: SEPT 2023) SUBJECT CODE ESS20103 TITLE (write the name of your handbook) ASSIGNMENT 1 (HANDBOOK): LECTURER MDM CYNTHIA RATNADEWI BT ABDUL JALIL SUBMISSION DATE WEEK 6 NAME (according to alphabetic order) MATRIC NO. VIRTUAL SIGNATURE PHOTO MARKS SCRIPT PRESENTATION 1. DAVINA ANN LOURDES 2072023090074 DavinaAnn 2. NATASYA ADRIANA A/P SINNASAMY 2072023090084 Natasya 3. RUTASRI NAHENDREN 2072023090054 N.Rutasri 4. SHANGKARY A/P VICKNESHWARAN 2072023090072 Shangkary Presentation video: https://youtu.be/VKt5AXl509Q?si=cK6idyRAj9jL3b_0 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS :- INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………4 1.0 INTEGRITY…………………………………………………………………………………...5 2.0 OBJECTIVITY………………………………………………………………………………..6 2.1 Objectivity shown by teachers in a classroom…………………………………………….....6 2.1.1 Impartiality…………………………………………………………………………….....6 2.1.2 Balance…………………………………………………………………………………...6 2.1.3 Critical Thinking………………………………………………………………………....6 2.1.4 Transparency……………………………………………………………………………..6 2.2 Objectivity shown by teachers in online class…………………………………………….....6 2.2.1 Open Communication………………………………………………………………….. 6 2.2.2 Accessibility…………………………………………………………………………......7 2.2.3 Professional Boundaries………………………………………………………………....7 2.2.4 Cultural Sensitivity……………………………………………………………………....7 3.0 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE….……………………………………………………....8 3.1 Professional Competence shown by teachers during physical class………………………....8 3.1.1 Expertise in knowledge ………………………………………………………………….8 3.1.2 Communication skills…………………………………………………………………....8 3.1.3 Competent of adaptability………………………………………………………………..8 3.1.4 classes:Organizing and managing time…………………………………………………..8 3.2 Objectivity shown by teachers in online class……………………………………………….8 3.2.1 Technical Proficiency…………………………………………………………………….8 3.2.2 Digital Literacy…………………………………………………………………………. 9 3.2.3 Feedback and assessments……………………………………………………………… 9 3.2.4 Professional Development……………………………………………………………….9 4.0 CONFIDENTIALITY………………………………………………………………………...10 4.1 teachers should respect the following guiding in confidentiality ethical principles…………10 4.1.1 Respect for students' dignity……………………………………………………………..10 4.1.2 Respect for confidentiality and privacy………………………………………………….10 4.1.3 Respect for safety of students……………………………………………………………10 4.1.4 Respect for existing ethical codes and professional standards…………………………..10 2
4.2 Following are some ideas to secure personal informations………………………………... 11 5.0 PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR…..………………………………………………………..12 5.1 Learn to value collaboration………………………………………………………………...12 5.2 Considering the attires………………………………………………………………………12 5.3 Being Punctual………………………………………………………………………………12 5.4 Maintaining Positive Attitude……………………………………………………………….13 5.5 Going Beyond Your Job Duties……………………………………………………………..13 5.6 Acting Fairly………………………………………………………………………………...13 CONCLUSION...………………………………………………………………………………….14 REFERENCE LIST………………………………………………………………………………15 3
INTRODUCTION :- Maintaining the standards of excellence and integrity in the educational system of the nation is crucially dependent on the Code of Ethics for the Malaysian teaching profession. This code of conduct for educators acts as a moral compass to ensure that teachers uphold the highest standards in the profession. It places a strong emphasis on a commitment to fostering students' intellectual and moral growth, treating all students with fairness, respect, and dignity, and promoting an inclusive and encouraging learning environment. Additionally, it emphasises the value of ongoing professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning, not only for the benefit of educators but also in order to give students the best education possible. The nation's educational system is, in essence, built upon the Code of Ethics for Malaysian Teachers, which supports the ideals of knowledge, ethics, and a better future for the next generation. In order to uphold their professional integrity and guarantee the highest standards in digital education, teachers conducting online instruction must adhere to a code of ethics. It highlights the value of professionalism by emphasising respectful and moral interactions with students, coworkers, and parents online. In order to create an inclusive and equitable online learning environment for everyone, this code places a high priority on protecting student privacy and data security. Teachers are urged to uphold the principles of academic honesty, providing excellent instruction, and encouraging open, honest communication with their students. A cornerstone is also a dedication to ongoing professional development, which guarantees that teachers stay knowledgeable about the rapidly changing field of online education. In essence, this code is a reflection of traditional teaching ethics that has been modified to address the particular difficulties and responsibilities presented by online teaching. It acts as a beacon of hope for educators navigating the digital world. 4
1.0 INTEGRITY:- Any comprehensive code of ethics for teachers should include integrity as a fundamental tenet because it is the cornerstone upon which ethical behaviour should be based. In the code, integrity is emphasised in a number of ways, each of which strengthens educators' moral and professional compass. Integrity is fundamentally about being completely honest. Teachers are expected to inform their students, coworkers, and the educational community with information that is accurate and open. In addition to accurate representation of the course material, grading, and any changes made to the learning environment, this transparency also includes all of these things. Teachers must also treat every student equally and without bias, abstaining from any form of discrimination or bias based on factors like socioeconomic status, gender, or any of the other categories prohibited by integrity. Building a culture of academic integrity is a crucial task that teachers are entrusted with. This implies putting a stop to academic misconduct while also discouraging plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of dishonesty. As teachers are required to respect student privacy and protect their academic and personal information from unauthorised disclosure, maintaining confidentiality is essential to maintaining integrity. Teachers must maintain a constant and high standard of conduct both inside and outside the classroom in order to be considered professionals, which is another important aspect of integrity. This includes abiding by a code of conduct that preserves the community's trust and respect as well as the profession's dignity. Finally, integrity is innately characterised by respect. In order to create a welcoming and respectful learning environment that promotes candid conversation and understanding among classmates, teachers are expected to respect the rights, opinions, and beliefs of both their students and their fellow faculty members. In conclusion, integrity serves as the foundation for moral conduct in the teaching profession. To help educators uphold these values and foster an atmosphere of trust, credibility, and moral responsibility in their teaching practices, codes of ethics for teachers are carefully crafted. 5
2.0 OBJECTIVITY:- Objectivity refers to the impartiality and lack of prejudice in how information, facts, or events are presented or judged. As it encourages fairness and accuracy in the evaluation of information as well as the development of decisions, it is a key principle in many professions, including teachers and educators. Below are the principles of objectivity. 2.1 Objectivity shown by teachers in a classroom 2.1.1 Impartiality - In order to be objective, individuals or groups must convey facts or make judgments without favouritism, bias, or the use of personal beliefs or feelings that influence their judgement. Fairness and the absence of prejudice are necessary. 2.1.2 Balance - Providing an honest and thorough analysis of an issue is a common need for objectivity. This involves considering multiple perspectives, accepting disagreements, and not favouring one perspective over another. This is particularly significant in the profession, where it is essential to offer a fair and unbiased point of view. 2.1.3 Critical Thinking - Objectivity requires critical thinking skills to analyse information wisely. This entails challenging sources, reviewing the data, and taking into account different theories or points of view. 2.1.4 Transparency - Transparency regarding any biases or conflicts of interest is another aspect of objectivity. For instance, a news outlet must reveal any financial connections to a story's subject. Transparency enables viewers or readers to determine the reliability of the information supplied and any possible sources of bias. 2.2 Objectivity shown by teachers in online class In order to give students an equitable and impartial learning environment, objectivity is essential in both traditional and online teaching. Below are some examples of how a teacher in an online class may demonstrate objectivity : 6
2.2.1 Open Communication - In the online classroom, teachers must encourage respectful and honest conversation. They should be prepared to hear the concerns and feedback of the students and take appropriate action in considering the information given. - For instance, teachers should have the ability to accept criticism and good feedback with an open heart. Having open communication can improve their verbal skills while also gaining students' trust. 2.2.2 Accessibility - Making sure that all students, including those with disabilities, can access the lesson materials as well as delivery methods is another aspect of objective online teaching. This illustrates a dedication to giving all students equal opportunities. - Teachers should be rational about their teaching materials that reach every sort of student. They also have to determine separate online teaching tools that can be accessed by weak students and smart students. 2.2.3 Professional Boundaries - Teachers need to maintain their distance from their students. This means preventing personal connections that can result in bias or favouritism. It also means complying with the ethical guidelines and regulations regarding behaviour that apply to teachers. - Sharing a personal connection with a particular student will have the potential to give special treatment. This behaviour will impact other students by making them think you are not giving as much importance to the particular student. 2.2.4 Cultural Sensitivity - Teachers should be mindful of their students' diverse roots and sensitive to cultural differences when teaching online. The key element of objectivity is to avoid prejudices, respect different cultural values, and create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. - Be careful with the words and jokes you say, as they might be sensitive to any cultural beliefs. Be mindful of your knowledge of what to say and what not to say when it comes to the classroom with students of various races and cultures. 7
3.0 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE :- Professional competence is the combination of abilities, skills, knowledge, and characteristics that make a person accomplish their job in a particular occupation or profession. This includes a lot of qualities that should be fitted into a person for success in a certain industry. Below are the qualities of professional competency. 3.1 Professional Competence shown by teachers during physical class 3.1.1 Expertise in knowledge - Gaining knowledge fully and thoroughly is the first step towards becoming professionally competent. In general, knowledge is obtained through education, training, and experience. One should be able to make wise decisions and resolve challenging situations within their profession with knowledge that is both theoretical and practical. 3.1.2 Communication skills - Almost every profession relies on effective communication. Both verbal communication and writing abilities play a role in this. Professionals must be able to communicate their thoughts, facts, and directions to coworkers, customers, and other clients concisely and understandably. 3.1.3 Competent of adaptability - Individuals should be able to adapt to new methods, techniques, and industrial developments as their field of expertise keeps improving. Professional competency depends on having an open mind and being up-to-date on their professional improvements. 3.1.4 classes:Organizing and managing time - In order to meet deadlines, manage workloads, and ensure task efficiency, potent time management and productive organisation are important. Task prioritisation and efficient time management are skills that professionals should know. 3.2 Professional Competence shown by teachers during online classes Professional competence for a teacher in online classes requires a unique set of skills and attributes due to the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the digital learning environment. Here are key elements of professional competence for teachers during online classes : 3.2.1 Technical Proficiency - The tools and technologies required for virtual education should be easy to use for teachers in online classes. This includes having experience with learning management systems, video conferencing software, and other online resources. 8
- As a teacher, you should know the apps to carry out online classes. For instance, Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are the most well-known video conference apps. Moreover, learning basic software knowledge to operate those apps should also be necessary as it’ll be convenient during lessons. 3.2.2 Digital Literacy - Teachers should be educated in digital materials and tools and be able to implement them into their teaching strategies. This may require making good use of multimedia, interactive materials, and digital assessments. - Producing interesting lessons for students in online classes will be a priority for teachers. This helps the students not lose attention or interest during lessons. Teachers could use interactive online apps such as Kahoot to do fun quizzes and competitive games. This indicates a win-win situation, as students will not lack enthusiasm and gain knowledge. 3.2.3 Feedback and assessments - For students to make progress, feedback on assignments and tests must be given promptly and constructively. Teachers should be proficient in creating impartial and trustworthy online tests. - Creating surveys to get feedback on classes and assignments could help teachers know how to improve their lessons. Teachers also should take action and make self-improvement mistakes that shouldn't be repeated. 3.2.4 Professional Development - One must always update their knowledge of online education trends and work to improve their skills. This could be participating in webinars, taking classes, or working with colleagues. - Brainstorming ideas together with colleagues will definitely bring a lot of benefits and also improve your relationship with other teachers in school. By doing so, you can help each other and improve the educational environment at school. 9
4.0 CONFIDENTIALITY Confidentiality refers to the duty to protect privileged information and to share entrusted information responsibly. It stems from the notion that a person's wishes, decisions, and personal information should be treated with respect. The duty of confidentiality can apply to individuals, organisations, and institutions such as schools and teachers, educators, lecturers and professors. As far as we know, in order to run the system, educators must obtain personal data from every student. When it comes to the privacy of a student, educators must remember that all private information and data belongs to not them but the student themselves therefore it should be kept private. Students believe that educators can be trusted with their personal information in school and online. Educators can ensure students’ privacy by authorising them to share only the selected information they want and helping them to understand how sharing their personal information can be disadvantageous. Confidentiality kicks in when private data is shared. Students trust their teachers to keep their personal data confidential and share it carefully only for the authorised. Teachers take big responsibility for holding every student’s data in sharing it only with necessary parties such as parents, other teachers, and administrators. Finally, teachers can keep student data both private and confidential by establishing clear security practices in their classrooms. They may consider things such as how and where they share student data and how this data can be accessed. When teaching online, there is a lot of student information that teachers may need. That information includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, student number, grades, performances, assignment submissions, student progress reports, etc. Consider, for these different types of data, all of the moments in which educators need to prioritise student privacy for their safety and wellbeing. 4.1 teachers should respect the following guiding in confidentiality ethical principles 4.1.1 Respect for students dignity Professional educators must know how to respect and protect students' dignity. They should know how to protect students' personal information to avoid possible misunderstandings. 4.1.2 Respect for confidentiality and privacy Professional educators must respect the confidential nature of all information related to students and their families and should handle such information in an appropriate manner only those with direct authority. 4.1.3 Respect for safety of students Professional educators should not share information about students and their families without their knowledge and agreement, and ensuring the personal information cannot be accessed or read by people who have no reason to see it. If not careful, this could risk the safety of the students and their families. 4.1.4 Respect for existing ethical codes and professional standards Professional educators must respect the authority, roles and responsibilities of the cooperating teacher and agree to satisfy the responsibilities and obligations for teachers as outlined from the schools. Once teachers get access to students' data, the next step is to evaluate their own security practices. When teachers choose secure online tools to use with students, safely store student data, or teach students best practices for keeping their own data private and secure, they are creating the best line of defence. 10
4.2 Following are some ideas to secure personal informations 4.2.1 Teachers may use online tools such as google drive to store information and to make sure no third parties have access to it. 4.2.2 Teachers should check each online tool’s privacy policy to ensure that there is a privacy policy available. Teachers should read through to see if there's any possible harm to use the tool to store personal data. 4.2.3 Teachers should not share any personal information to third parties if there is no authority to avoid safety risks. 11
5.0 PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR :- Professional behaviour in the workplace is a combination of attitude, appearance and manners. It includes the way you speak, look, act and make decisions. The main principles of professional work behaviour is treating your managers, colleagues and clients with respect. As teachers it is important to maintain professionalism at all times. A teacher has an obligation to treat co-colleagues, parents, and students with respect at all times as a role model for appropriate conduct. Every person is treated with dignity by a professional. Being aware of the limits on what they can do and teachers are to stand up for what is right. Professional behaviour needs to be carried not only in the school but at all times such as during virtual teaching or online teaching. 5.1 Learn to value collaboration Learning to collaborate effectively is an important aspect of a teacher's professional character. As a professional teacher it is crucial that we don’t stick to our own ideas and knowledge. A teacher should be open to learning and receiving comments and advice from other teachers as well. This will help to improve input planning and new ideas to give an effective and quality education to students. This also allows them to achieve common goals and show commitment to a successful teaching and learning community. Even in a virtual teaching or commonly known as online teaching, teachers should give importance to this ethics. For example, if a teacher finds it difficult conducting classes online, it is important to ask and learn the techniques from other colleagues in order to conduct a proper and effective online class for students. This will allow teachers to exchange ideas and opinions among each other. When a teaching job is done, it will not only give satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment to the teacher but to students who have understood it as well. It is important to keep the class fun and engaging when it is done this way. 5.2 Considering the attires Dressing appropriately is essential to all, especially professionals. It shows the charisma we adopt in ourselves according to the profession we pursue which applies to the teaching profession as well. As a teacher, wearing appropriate attire it's not just to be presentable and to show modesty. It is a way to show respect to the identity and professionalism a teacher carries. This is also applicable when conducting classes via online. This will also set an example to all students who look up to teachers as their inspiration or role model. Teachers are expected to dress decently even during conducting classes via online. Students who attend classes virtually will also learn to be presentable in an online class even though they are attending it from home. Most schools or colleges have set a certain dress code for all teachers to follow. Choosing the right clothes or dressing the right way will also help to boost confidence as an educator. 5.3 Being Punctual Being punctual as a teacher is very crucial. This is because it shows how much importance a teacher gives to their work and to their students. As teacher’s, whether it is teaching face to face or online, teachers usually plan their lesson ahead. In order to complete the lesson planned or objectives of the day efficient time would be needed to complete it. So, being late will take up lesson time and lead to not being able to complete the objectives planned for that day. It also shows the interest and commitment we have towards our career. Being punctual also can influence the students. For instance, in an online class, when a teacher logs in to the virtual class on time the students will also learn to be on time. If they were questioned, some students will point out to teachers that they are not being on time. Teacher’s play an influential role in a student's life in moulding them to be better. 12
5.4 Maintaining Positive Attitude Not just as a fellow human being but as teachers too having self control is very important. Self control includes how a teacher treats the other co-teachers as co-workers and the students as well. It is a necessary component in professionalism. A more positive environment can be created when a teacher learns to adapt to changes. Example, before covid-19 all lessons took place in a classroom environment or physically. After covid-19 has started all classes begin to resume virtually or online. In this case as a teacher, they are to adapt to this change plus take this positively amidst all the challenges they have to face. This is because teaching online is never the same as teaching in a classroom. Moreover, without proper classroom essentials like whiteboard and other tools it will be difficult to teach lessons like usual. It might stress them but they are to take this as a learning experience. As teachers maintaining positivity is also learning to take up blames at times and be optimistic spreading positivity throughout the day. 5.5 Going Beyond Your Job Duties Teacher’s duties are not just to teach but also to go the extra mile whenever needed. Teacher’s duty is also to take the extra initiative in knowing about students' well-being as it is important for their performance in education and school. Teacher’s must be able to offer assistance outside of the classroom to foster better learning and understanding of their students’. This can be done through showing sincere concern to students whenever they need emotional and mental support even for the disruptive ones. Students often don’t share what they are going through. As teacher’s it is best to confront them when they are not being themselves or acting normal.Teacher’s should not only be concerned about students when they are present in school but when they are at home too. As an example, when a student often misses online classes, the teacher should be responsible to know what is happening then the student is missing. This is to help the student to stand as a support by getting help for whatever is necessary with the help of the upper authorities in the school. 5.6 Acting Fairly It is very necessary to treat everyone equally and fairly. For teacher’s it is crucial to treat all students fairly and to give freedom to speak as well as equal opportunities. Teachers should allow students to also provide their input, share their thoughts and contribute to class lessons. Teacher’s should not always dominate the class but also allow students to speak up and in a way to also get them to actively participate in class. This concept also applies when conducting classes online. Teachers should give time and allow students to share their opinion and ask questions through the chatting box or on mic. This will also help the students to not feel left out and bored in class. Treating fairly also means caring for all students. Teachers should not only look after and treat the smart students or students who are good in studies with care and affection. Despite that, teachers must also give equal attention and care to weak students. This is also equally important to make students feel comfortable and heard when the teacher is around. 13
CONCLUSION :- By obeying and acting professionally in a physical and virtual teaching platform, a teacher can develop a healthy and understanding relationship with their colleagues or peers and students as well. It is also to enhance professional capabilities in their work. Developing professional behaviours as one of ethics to work on. The success of a teacher depends on not just upholding experiences and connections but also keeping these ethics alive in them at all times. It is also a way to show academic integrity and learn through the experiences. Healthy relationships are essential if you want to continue learning while staying motivated. It is also a part of every teacher that holds all of them together as one community. If one person refuses to disobey or does not carry the professional behaviour or behave professionally at times, it could bring down all the other coworkers or colleagues dignity. 14
REFERENCE :- School of Educators. (2012 June). Ethical Principles For Teachers. Retrieved from http://schoolofeducators.com/2012/06/ethical-principles-for-teachers/ Students Privacy Compass. (2019 November 19). The Educator’s Role: Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://studentprivacycompass.org/scheid1/#:~:text=Confidentiality%20comes%20into%20play%20when,% 2C%20other%20teachers%2C%20and%20administrators. Camosun College. (2023 September 12). Privacy consideration for online teaching. Retrieved from https://camosun.libguides.com/privacy Science Direct. (2016 October). Teachers professional competence and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959475216300639 Joint Council for Qualification. (2021 July). Maintaining Objectivity. Retrieved from https://www.jcq.org.uk/maintaining-objectivity/#top-of-page Law Insider. (2018 March). Professional Competence definition. Retrieved from https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/professional-competence Open Library. (2020). 3 Acting Professional In An Online Environment. Retrieved from https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/learnonline/chapter/acting-professional-in-an-online-environment/ Indeed Career Guide. (2023 March 11). 13 Ways To Show Professionalism in Teaching (And Why It Matters). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/professionalism-in-teaching Presentation slide link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFxZKMErH0/dDebQhSeVdLvuDzZUnb7tg/view?utm_content=DAFxZ KMErH0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink 15
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