Ethical codes
Students need to know that the instructor has ethical boundaries. Trying to keep the conversation academic based will reinforce the instructors intentions to maintain a professional classroom experience. Some students may try to focus attention on personal situations, so I think it is up to the instructor to keep the conversation curriculum based and on topic. Some students need a bit more redirection from the instructor, but if the instructor knows the content well, it will be much easier to redirect students.
Hi Elena,
Yes we need to share our ethical beliefs with our students every opportunity we get so that they will know how to conduct themselves in the real world.
Patricia Scales
Hi Michael,
Let them know on Day 1 that you are in full control, and when they try you, do not bend so that they know who has the authority!
Patricia Scales
But on the other hand, don't you think students need to hear examples of how you, as a seasoned professional, would handle a given ethical situation? Depending on how far off topic we are going, I may choose to allow the class to discuss the ethical situation. It gives me a lot of information about their background and can give me the opportunity to model appropriate responses and verbiage, which I believe is what they really want.
I agree. Early on students will try to cross those boundaries and realize very quickly what my purpose and responsibilities are as an instructor. I bring their focus right back to the task at hand
