Ethical Issues in Education - Literature review Example

Running Head: Document Evaluation and Supporting Case Study ETHICAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION BY: PRESENTED TO: UNIVERSITY: DATE DUE: Introduction Ethical issues include the level of interpersonal associations in terms of values. How to achieve the best of relationships between groups is discussed. The issue of oneself in relationships is avoided. Mutual coexistence among individuals is emphasized. There is a collective responsibility between two parties. Matters to be avoided and those that are to be inculcated are broadly discussed (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). Individuals are encouraged to be responsible in all spheres of life. Rights of individuals should always be negotiated. All individuals are obligated to perceive others with respect and to uphold the law of the land. Organizations are also obligated to follow suit. Hence everybody is charged with the responsibility of giving out the best. Social discussions are usually employed to articulate these issues. All these issues not withstanding form part of well coexistence among givers and receivers. In the contemporary culture ethical issues are of great importance. There exist contemporary ethical issues which usually arise. Standards are usually set to enable individuals follow a similar part of action. Decisions are usually reached at from the set standards. Different disciplines have their set standards. This standard is put in place to enable the stakeholders reach their objectives. Professionalism is a factor which is usually stressed upon when discussing different professions. Different countries have their own standard. This is possible because of the different working environments that people operate on. Though this difference exists all professionals insist on integrity (Alderson & Corsaro, 2000, P.548). Ethical issues in education Education passes from one society to another, from one generation to another. Hence it is commonly referred to as the soul of the society. Hence there is a process that is continuous. Education is always received and passed on. In the process of passing on there are pieces that are added or subtracted. Since this industry is serious there is need for ethics and values. This assists it to achieve its set goals and objectives (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). Davis and Smith (2000) point out that there are common ethical issues that always revolve around education. These issues assist the givers of education and those who receive. The ethical issues ascertain that all the concerned parties are satisfied. One of these issues is Education Resources with Respect to Special Education. This caters for all the children with disabilities. This act was passed by the government to safeguard their rights. The disabled children were to be given special education. Because they had special needs as compared to other children. Prior to this act them all attended same schools with the other children. This made most of them drop from school. This is because they were not able to catch up with other students. Funds were given to enhance this act. Different education curricula were made use of. This enabled the disabled students fit well in society (Alderson & Corsaro, 2000, P.548). Challenges facing male teachers Choice of teacher is a major ethical issue in education. The teacher to take care of the child is chosen. Many times the school administration determines the teacher. This has made many parents decide which teacher to teach. This decision is made in comparison to performance. Poor performance leads to a teacher being transferred. Due to this harsh condition the male teachers are given tasks that are hard to accomplish. Parents pay for their children’s education. The government gives grants to facilitate. Hence both have say on the teachers to teach their children (Zablon 2008). John and Hillary (2008) describe the male teachers as having hard in coping with the high standards that are set on them to deliver. This leads to loose of morale and most of the time many decide to quit or transfer. The said problems are usually brought to class and the performance of many students goes down. Due to the poor performance the institution is usually penalized. The aforesaid problems are usually solved through set forums by the institution and other stakeholders. When issues of new regulations arise the male teachers are the only one given the responsibility to do the implementation. The issue of school uniform is very important example. Other people argue that school uniforms should be made compulsory. Other says they should not. This is very obvious since every argument has two sides (Robinson 1999). Those who argue for inclusion of uniforms say that there should be uniformity. The others say that uniforms have nothing to do with education. They argue that what one wears has no effect on what is taught in class (Alderson & Corsaro, 2000, P.548). Nevertheless, those who argue for have always had it. This is because discipline is instilled in all students. The male teachers have always been given the moral duty to oversee the conflict. Male teachers argue that uniformity brings about oneness. This has led to a strict dress code presented to students. This indicates what should be worn and what should not, failure of which a strict punishment is given to offenders. Others are given suspension or fines. This idea has become acceptable. The issue of elimination of school uniforms from schools has been declined. Thanks to male teachers who have worked hard to see the idea rests (Richard 2006). . Racial inequality and ethnic differences have been issues in schools. Students come from diverse backgrounds wanting to join same schools. Hence the issues of diversity are always very important. The curriculum has always addressed this issue. The issue of sports and cultural exchange has brought different people together. The importance of diversity should always be upheld. Teacher evaluation is usually encouraged. These are activities that are interconnected. Teachers usually deal with complex situations hence they usually need to be evaluated. The evaluation is usually done by their superiors. Their evaluation is focused on their teaching and as individuals. Data is usually collected and prepared. This is presented to the conferences for final submissions. The process should always be small but large part of the curriculum. Sex education should be taught to all students. This is a very important issue in the education sector. The student is able to be equipped with knowledge on how to live as brothers and sisters. Various changes that occur during growth are explained. Hence all the students understand their bodies better. By so doing the risk of contaminating diseases is minimized. Sex education should be taught from lower institutions (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). Random drug test should be carried in all campuses. Those found with difficulties are encouraged to attend rehabilitation centers. Dangers of drugs are posed, leading to a healthy environment. Overall performance of students will increase. All the above issues require understanding. All educators have to be Open minded. This will make them be accountable in all the decisions they make. There should always be collective responsibility in administering this issue (Alderson & Corsaro, 2000, P.548). The profession and the people working in the profession are for public service. All the professionals in this profession follow set standards. Violation of the set standard usually leads to ones’ license being confiscated. All educators are required to study moral values as they continue working with their various institutions. All education principles were first used by Luca Pacioli. He later introduced them to other organization including government institutions (Davis & Smith, 2000).The ethical practices have enabled the education professionals to work with high levels of competence. For one to follow these codes they first and foremost have to be members of those organizations. There is usually no limit as to how many organizations one can join. Universities started introducing ethics course in 1980s. Since then the course has grown tremendously. For some countries courses on ethics are a must before taking exams. Davis and Smith (2000), suggests that many individuals have in the past thought that courses on ethics are not important. But this course has always been encouraged by all institutions. For one to have strong ethics, sense of his value is always emphasized. An educator should always realize that an ethical dilemma is occurring. After the realization one should know all the people who will be affected. And the best alternatives should be suggested to the management. Ethical Dilemmas John and Hillary (1999) confirm that the male teachers are always given the duty to ensure there is discipline in schools. This leads to other female counterparts feeling left out. The issue of hatred comes up between students and teachers because they feel looked down upon. Issues of discipline are always very important in any education system. Discipline allows all the goals and objectives of the institution to be achieved. They always say if you spare the rod the child will spoil. Disciplinary actions are usually taken to students violating the school rules. Issues like bullying and stealing are never tolerated. Students are given second chances to enable them to do better next time (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). This will eventually lead to better performances The issue of equality between male and female teachers is always left out. Male teachers are usually given mores tasks to perform as compared to their female counter parts. Education makes our society be what it is. This requires an ethical approach by learners and their teachers. There should always be trust and equality among the two groups. This leads to a well balanced learning environment. Hence good and right choices are made by educators. In the event of queries, students make reference to all that they were taught. There should also be trust among educational communities (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). Deiser (2000) suggests that ethical dilemmas in education exist in many ways. First academic honesty is always desired. The issues of academic dishonesty or plagiarism are discouraged. In this age of internet surfing many students are found cheating. Other people information is made use of without their permission. This usually is done in the event of research writing or even homework. Other people pieces of work require ethical considerations. Confidentiality is always pointed to many times in any institution. People in the administrative position have all the information of their students. This information should be handled with utmost confidentiality. There are some records of students that are always very sensitive. This includes health records and even background of the students. All the administrative groups have an ethical obligation to handle the information with care. Deiser (2000) maintains that dealing with confrontations are dilemmas always faced. Care should be taken when addressing student academic performances. Aggressive concerns and complaints should never be allowed to bring about discomfort. This may lead to the administrators abandoning their principles. But in the end the issue of integrity and accuracy should take center stage. There should be a way of resolving conflicts. Solving ethical dilemmas in education Maintaining rigor in the education fraternity is mostly desirable (Deiser 2000). This makes the educators strive for long hours to uphold the high standards. As they desire to achieve this they are usually not comfortable. This is because they invest a lot of time and energy. There should be that commitment to maintain academic rigor. Without this investment all the students and educators will not achieve their objectives. Davis and Smith (2000) confirm that the relationship between educators and students has to be enhanced. There are always institutional indiscretions by those around. The issue of standing for what is right should always be paramount. The choice of this ethical consideration is always hard. Hence the integrity of the educational community is in the hands of the people. They are the ones who will decide to do right or wrong as directed by the administrators. In both specific and generalized education ethical issues are important. Educational policies encourage ethical dilemmas for educators. This is workable for those working with children. The educators always present the children realities to parents and administrators. This leaves the demands for their overall output in balance. There is need for every educator to be an ethical educator. And they should make changes to peoples’ life (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). Unethical ways in our curriculum come with high price. This is possible because our young generation in school is at stake. Educators are role models in student’s career future. They have to make use of all ethical issues. In every aspect of society the issue of ethical practice is made use of. This applies in businesses and even in politics. This young generation is growing to be in the future. For them to achieve their objectives they have to embrace ethical practices. All the educational fraternity must stand for integrity. The standards for ethical practices should be set by all educators. This includes all the dilemmas the teachers have to work on every day. This is usually done in a very detailed and professional manner. Teachers should be given materials addressing the problems they face. All the teachers need to be honest. Over and above that they should be people of good morals (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). There are factors that lead to ethical failures for educational professionals. The main factor is self interest. This gives the educator or teacher motivation to work to his/her best even when faced with difficulties. The other factor is lack of professional decisions made by educators. Lastly there is lack of needed knowledge and education on matters of ethics. This will lead to inappropriate decisions made when one is faced with difficulties. It is always said that people usually seek the services of those people they trust. Since one cannot appraise the standard of the other party, they only implore trust. By so doing they believe they will receive the needed attention. And the providers of those services are in line with their needs and desires. This is called principles vs. rules based. The receiver of those services in most cases has trust that ethical standards will be followed (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). After the major ethical dilemmas, new strategies have to be introduced. They range from new reforms to regulations. Education systems have been designed in a way to include ways of eradicating unethical systems. For credibility of education to be realized, education facilities have to be provided. Major companies and accounting firms have in the past provided materials for learning. This has equipped workers and students at a level well prepared for difficulties. Davis and Smith (2000), confirms that in Australia new regulations have been set up to combat scandals. This includes Corporate Law Economic Reform Program Act 2004. Another act is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This was brought about by the United States. The act conditions the number of activities carried out by an organization. The total amount of money paid by a client is controlled too. The act requires all senior managers to sign on all the companies operations. In the past less emphasis was placed on issues of ethical standards. This brought about teachers who were not qualified. Hence the need for codes of conduct arose. A member of the organization was to take care of the issues of ethics alone. Until this present time all professionals are urged to take continuing courses. This enables them to have their licenses active. Honesty has been evident in all educators’ duties (Deiser 2000). Many professionals have lost their jobs while others lost their practice licenses. Hence ethical issues have provided many challenges to teaching as a profession. Usually during training and hiring ethical issues are ascertained. All trainees undergo an ethics and professional responsibility course. This equips them with necessary material when they go to their places of work. Once they are hired most firms give extensive training in relation to their working environment. Seminars are usually provided to assist in group and audience performances (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). All the above is done to ensure all the professionals understand their codes of conduct. In every area of office operation all principles of ethics are always incorporated. Large companies provide a professional in charge of issues of professional responsibility. The specialist ensures that all the workers know their roles and modes of operation. Many helpful resources are always provided for teachers. It is of great importance for all professionals to have an understanding on ethical issues. This is done before more attention is put on licenses for their practicing. Failure of which, the professionals may end up suffering many consequences. For sanity to prevail in the education profession, all stakeholders are to take part in the reformation process. Positive guidelines are to be implemented. Society depends on educators to provide future generations. Solving the challenges male teachers have Rasdan (2009) declares that both the male and female teachers are supposed to be given the same responsibilities. Issues concerning discipline in school should always be a combined effort. For students to have discipline they need to feel equality amongst their teachers. This will lead to respect the side of the students and their teachers. Seminars should be allowed to give teachers lessons on how to deal with various issues affecting the students. Also forums should be allowed in the education sector to all the students discuss freely with the teachers on issues affecting them. Daiser and Almond (2004) attest to the fact that corporate collapses are usually as a result of publicity on the roles of teachers. A very low spirit has been created because of scandals in education profession. This is possible even if the same educators made their curriculum fit for them. Contrary to this, teachers have been deemed as people of integrity. They have enabled good governance and ethical standards have been followed. There is need for openness and a greater use of ethical standards in schools. This is usually impossible because of greed and the need to feel important. The need for new legislations is required. Poor and low ethical standard knowledge accounts for most mismanagements. There is a greater need to learn new skills that influence and contribute to scandals. The education sector is to ensure that knowledge on ethical issues is emphasized. Before entrance to the world of business graduates then need knowledge in ethical values. Though many student who were interviewed on the same issue, confessed that education on ethics was not important. The students mentioned everybody has ethical values. But from past evidences it is probable that the need for knowledge on ethics is paramount. Training is essential for those who missed on this lesson back at school (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). Consultation should always be made to the authoritative bodies stipulating the rules to be followed. This however, is not a substitute to the codes of conduct themselves. In an education article as stated by Robert and Boxwell (2000) many teachers do not comply with the set rules and regulations. Threats are always posed to educators with interests with the firms they are working for. It is not ethical to give policies where one owns shares. Possibility of situations that are compromising should always be assessed. A decision has to be reached on whether to remove the threat or reduce it. This is only possible if safeguards are put in place. This leads to those threats viewed as being minimal and later included. Sometimes the ethical dilemma becomes hard to be eliminated. In this case the situation bringing about the ethical dilemma is mostly escaped. This may make ones’ relationship with his parents hard.. Theories of Ethical Conduct Best ethical practices are usually encouraged. This at the end promotes peace and best business relations. Every aspect of an organization or individual is usually affected by ethical standards. The need for ethical standards is therefore emphasized. There is more importance and gain when ethical issues are regarded by individuals. For free and fair business enterprise to be available all stakeholder are put on board. The end result of an action determines if ethical values were considered. Usually if the consequence of an action is good then the action is desirable. This is done by way of balance between bad and good side of an action. Deontological theories denote that bad and good actions are not based on their actions. Nonconsequentialist suggest that there are other internal and external factors that influence action (Davis & Corsaro 2000). It has been reported by Davis & Corsaro (2000), that the Egoism theory implores the rule of self interest. This denies other parties partisan to benefit. This theory is not applicable in the accounting standards of practice. This is because all the decisions reached at are one person situation. This denies others’ opinions which might be of value to a particular individual or group. There is no definite stand on the part of the decision maker. This undermines the values of a group of people with a certain aim. For business situation where the sole aim is to make profits, egoism operates. The concerned parties have one motive always. The end result will be disregard to new innovations and expertise. Hence advancement in such circumstances is usually an obstacle. In utilitarism theory all parties concerned are usually included in the decision making process. This theory works very well with accounting standards. This kind of theory is usually made reference to when formulating new policies. Conclusion In conclusion all standards and codes of conduct make reference to utilitarism theory. The theory clearly shows that all policies are promoted. This is because all the welfare of the individual and organizations concerned are discussed collectively. This is a very good way of resolving conflicts and bringing new ideas to the institution. All decisions reached are usually done for the good of all the stakeholders. Organizations can manage to grow to high heights without falling back. Realistic and workable solutions are usually reached at using this kind of theory. Usually individual interests are not undermined and all stakeholders have a say in the organization. Finally the theory lifts the organization to higher grounds. For example a farmer may give his land for dam construction (Albert & Maxwell, 2000). References Albert, J. & Boxwell, Jr. (2000). Education Principles in Perspective. New York, Mc Graw-Hill. Daiser, A. (2004). Beating the Competition: A Practical Guide to Ethical Standards. Washington, DC. Davis, A. S., & Corsaro, W. A. (2000). Cross-cultural analysis. In E. F. Borgatta (Editor-in- Chief) & R. J.V. Montgomery (Managing Editor), Encyclopedia of Ethical issues (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 546-553). New York, NY: Macmillan Reference USA. John, J. Hillary, Jr. (2008, May 5). Logistics explained in Europe today. Washington Post, P. AO1. Retrieved April 9 2008, from Lexon-Noxes database. Robinson, K. K. (1999). A case logistics (working paper No. 87). Address delivered to the institute for Australian Values. New York: IAN. Richard, N. N., & Kass, L. R. (Eds.). (2006). Business to business: readings on logistics and Management. South Bend, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press. Rasdan, A. (2009, May – June). What all businesses should put in place? Utne, pp. 45-98. Zablon, P. (2008, June – May). What is logistics? Ukrne, PP. 87-109. URLS http://www.google.co.ke/#hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=617&q=Albert%2C+J.+%26+Boxwell%2C+Jr.+%282000%29.+Education++Principles+in+Perspective.%09%09%09%09New+York%2C+Mc+Graw-Hill.+&oq=Albert%2C+J.+%26+Boxwell%2C+Jr.+%282000%29.+Education++Principles+in+Perspective.%09%09%09%09New+York%2C+Mc+Graw-Hill.+&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=88353l88353l0l1l1l0l0l0l0l1158l1158l7-1&fp=d9ef05bfba1a6581 http://www.google.co.ke/#hl=en&biw=1280&bih=617&q=Daiser%2C+A.+%282004%29.+Beating+the+Competition:+A+Practical+Guide+to+Ethical+Standards.%09Washington%2C+DC.+&oq=Daiser%2C+A.+%282004%29.+Beating+the+Competition:+A+Practical+Guide+to+Ethical+Standards.%09Washington%2C+DC.+&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=90231l100291l0l98l16l0l0l0l15l1301l11305l2.1.1.0.1.2.4.5&fp=d9ef05bfba1a6581 http://www.google.co.ke/#hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=617&q=Robinson%2C+K.+K.+%281999%29.+A+case+logistics+%28working+paper+No.+87%29.+Address+delivered+to+the++institute+for+Australian+Values.+New+York:+IAN.&btnG=Google+Search&oq=Robinson%2C+K.+K.+%281999%29.+A+case+logistics+%28working+paper+No.+87%29.+Address+delivered+to+the++institute+for+Australian+Values.+New+York:+IAN.&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=102288l102288l0l1l1l0l0l0l0l0l0l&fp=d9ef05bfba1a6581 http://www.google.co.ke/#hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=617&q=Richard%2C+N.+N.%2C+%26+Kass%2C+L.+R.+%28Eds.%29.+%282006%29.+Business+to+business:+readings+on+logistics+and++%09Management.+South+Bend%2C+Indiana%3A+University+of+Notre+Dame+Press.&btnG=Google+Search&oq=Richard%2C+N.+N.%2C+%26+Kass%2C+L.+R.+%28Eds.%29.+%282006%29.+Business+to+business:+readings+on+logistics+and++%09Management.+South+Bend%2C+Indiana%3A+University+of+Notre+Dame+Press.&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=3326l3326l0l1l1l0l0l0l0l0l0l&fp=d9ef05bfba1a6581 http://www.google.co.ke/#hl=en&biw=1280&bih=617&q=Rasdan%2C+A.+%282009%2C+May+%E2%80%93+June%29.+What+all+businesses+should+put+in+place%3F+Utne%2C+pp.+45-98.&oq=Rasdan%2C+A.+%282009%2C+May+%E2%80%93+June%29.+What+all+businesses+should+put+in+place%3F+Utne%2C+pp.+45-98.&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=-1273485867796l-1273485867796l8l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l&fp=d9ef05bfba1a6581 Read More