Ethical Behavior Management Issues

Part I: Review the online document: Ethical Issues Which are Necessary to Consider when Making Behavioral Change DecisionsLinks to an external site.. https://www.homeofbob.com/cman/general/ethics.html Then do the following.

Name the article, then select and list 10 of the 12 Ethical Issues Areas
Under each of the 10, write a real-life example from a classroom setting or other teaching/learning environment where a teacher is specifically demonstrating by his or her behavior that he/she understands how to behave ethically related to the specific considerations.
Part II

Read the online article, What are some Ethical Issues in Classroom Management?Links to an external site. https://classroommanagementexpert.com/blog/what-are-some-ethical-issues-in-classroom-management/?expand_article=1

It has three parts.

  1. What is an Ethical Dilemma in School,
  2. What are Ethical Issues in Classroom Management, and
  3. How to Deal with Ethical Issues in Classroom Management.

Full Answer Section

     
  1. Fairness: Teachers must be fair and consistent in their treatment of all students.
  2. Positive reinforcement: Teachers should focus on using positive reinforcement rather than punishment to change student behavior.
  3. Least restrictive alternative: Teachers should use the least restrictive alternative when choosing a behavioral change strategy.
  4. Data collection and use: Teachers should collect and use data on student behavior in a way that is ethical and confidential.
  5. Professional development: Teachers should seek professional development to learn about the latest evidence-based behavioral change strategies.
  6. Collaboration: Teachers should collaborate with parents/guardians, other professionals, and the student to develop and implement a behavioral change plan.

Real-Life Examples

Confidentiality

  • A teacher does not share a student's behavioral problems with other teachers or staff members without the student's consent.
  • A teacher keeps student records confidential and does not allow anyone else to access them without permission.
  • A teacher does not discuss a student's behavior with their parents/guardians without the student's permission.

Consent

  • A teacher obtains permission from a student's parents/guardians before using any behavioral change strategies.
  • A teacher discusses the behavioral change plan with the student and gets their feedback and input.
  • A teacher allows the student to choose which behavioral change strategies they are comfortable with.

Harm

  • A teacher avoids using any behavioral change strategies that could cause physical or emotional harm to the student.
  • A teacher uses behavioral change strategies in a way that is respectful of the student's dignity and rights.
  • A teacher monitors the student's progress closely to ensure that the behavioral change strategies are not causing any harm.

Dignity and respect

  • A teacher treats all students with dignity and respect, even when they are misbehaving.
  • A teacher avoids using shame or humiliation as a behavioral change strategy.
  • A teacher creates a positive and supportive classroom environment where all students feel valued and respected.

Fairness

  • A teacher is fair and consistent in their treatment of all students.
  • A teacher does not show favoritism or discrimination towards any students.
  • A teacher uses behavioral change strategies that are appropriate for all students' individual needs and abilities.

Positive reinforcement

  • A teacher focuses on using positive reinforcement to change student behavior.
  • A teacher praises students for good behavior and provides them with rewards.
  • A teacher helps students to develop self-management skills so that they can reinforce their own positive behavior.

Least restrictive alternative

  • A teacher uses the least restrictive alternative when choosing a behavioral change strategy.
  • A teacher starts with less restrictive strategies, such as positive reinforcement and redirection, and only moves on to more restrictive strategies if necessary.
  • A teacher considers the student's individual needs and abilities when choosing a behavioral change strategy.

Data collection and use

  • A teacher collects data on student behavior in a way that is ethical and confidential.
  • A teacher obtains consent from students and their parents/guardians before collecting data on student behavior.
  • A teacher uses data on student behavior to develop and implement effective behavioral change plans.

Professional development

  • A teacher seeks professional development to learn about the latest evidence-based behavioral change strategies.
  • A teacher stays up-to-date on the latest research on behavioral change.
  • A teacher collaborates with other professionals to learn from their experiences and expertise.

Collaboration

  • A teacher collaborates with parents/guardians to develop and implement a behavioral change plan.
  • A teacher communicates regularly with parents/guardians about the student's behavior and progress.
  • A teacher works with other professionals, such as school counselors and psychologists, to provide the student with the support they need.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of how teachers can demonstrate ethical behavior in the context of behavioral change. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to behavioral change. The most ethical approach will vary depending on the individual student and the specific situation.

Sample Answer

   

10 Ethical Issues Areas

  1. Confidentiality: Teachers must keep student information confidential, unless required by law or to protect the student or others from harm.
  2. Consent: Teachers must obtain consent from students and their parents/guardians before using any behavioral change strategies.
  3. Harm: Teachers must avoid using any behavioral change strategies that could cause harm to students, either physically or emotionally.
  4. Dignity and respect: Teachers must treat all students with dignity and respect, regardless of their behavior.