The profession of a teacher always has a double ethical dimension. On the one hand, as a transmitter of knowledge he is responsible for an adequate instruction of the subjects taught by himself. On the other hand, as an educator, he has to guide his students towards a life based on ethical and moral values and personal responsibility. In a few words, he has to nurture both their intellectual growth and the growth of their character. Whereas many countries have taken the importance of the educational task into consideration by including ethics in teacher training courses, the ethical dimension of a teacher’s profession is still neglected in Germany where the focus is put on the methods of subject teaching. As a result, new teachers are unprepared to handle situations which require ethical judgement and often feel helpless when they have to take ethical decisions.
So, the purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of including ethics in teacher training courses in order to show German professionals, who are responsible for teacher education, how an implementation of ethics in teacher training curricula can improve the quality of teaching and help teachers to fulfill their role as educators.
As a first step, the meaning of ethics in education derived from a general definition of ethics is explained. Then, based on the results of a survey, the needs of novice teachers for an instruction in ethics are illustrated. Finally, three of the main ethical topics which are relevant for teachers are described.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definition of ethics
- 3. Ethics in teaching
- 3.1 Reasons for including ethics in teacher training courses
- 3.1.1 Responsibility
- 3.1.2 The teacher as a role model
- 3.1.3 Ethical dilemmas
- 4. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this report is to emphasize the critical need for integrating ethics into German teacher training programs. It aims to demonstrate to those responsible for teacher education in Germany how incorporating ethics into curricula can enhance teaching quality and empower teachers to effectively fulfill their roles as educators.
- The importance of ethics in teacher training.
- The definition and application of ethics in education.
- The need for ethical awareness and judgment in handling teaching situations.
- The teacher's dual role in transmitting knowledge and fostering ethical development in students.
- The impact of a teacher's actions and words on students' self-perception and well-being.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument for the inclusion of ethics in German teacher training. It highlights the current neglect of ethical considerations in German teacher education, contrasting it with the practice in many other countries. The chapter emphasizes the teacher's crucial role in not only imparting knowledge but also in shaping students' character and moral development. It points to the unpreparedness of many German teachers, both novice and experienced, to address ethical dilemmas effectively, often leading to poor or unethical decisions. The introduction lays the groundwork for the report by underscoring the necessity of ethical awareness and sensitivity in teaching.
2. Definition of ethics: This chapter provides a foundational understanding of ethics by defining it as "moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity." It expands on this general definition to illustrate how various professions, such as medicine, have established specific ethical guidelines (like the Hippocratic Oath). The chapter highlights the absence of a similar codified ethical standard for educators in Germany, although many educational institutions have introduced codes of conduct. This section sets the stage for exploring the specific ethical considerations relevant to the teaching profession.
3. Ethics in teaching: This chapter delves into the dual ethical dimension of teaching. It explains that teachers must not only act ethically themselves but also actively promote the ethical development of their students. The chapter presents survey data illustrating a significant need for ethical training among pre-service teachers in a similar context (Australian pre-service teachers), suggesting a parallel need in Germany. The chapter lays the foundation for the subsequent discussion of specific ethical issues relevant to daily teaching practice.
3.1 Reasons for including ethics in teacher training courses: This chapter explores the justifications for integrating ethics into teacher training programs. It underscores the teacher's substantial responsibility in shaping students' moral development and maintaining high ethical standards. The chapter introduces the concept of a teacher's responsibility covering both the learning process and the welfare of the students, highlighting the importance of respecting their dignity and avoiding the misuse of power dynamics inherent in the teacher-student relationship.
3.1.1 Responsibility: This section focuses on the broad concept of responsibility in teaching, including the legal and ethical obligations teachers have towards their students and their profession. It highlights the lack of a codified code of responsibility in Germany compared to other countries and argues that such codification, together with dedicated teacher training, can cultivate a heightened sensitivity towards responsible and ethical behavior. The section emphasizes the dual aspect of a teacher's responsibility: ensuring effective learning and promoting students' well-being and emotional growth.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Ethics in education, teacher training, Germany, ethical dilemmas, responsibility, moral development, teacher's role, professional ethics, ethical decision-making, code of conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Ethics in German Teacher Training
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview focuses on the critical need for integrating ethics into German teacher training programs. It argues that incorporating ethics into curricula enhances teaching quality and empowers teachers to effectively fulfill their roles.
What topics are covered in the preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. Specific topics covered include the definition of ethics, ethics in teaching (including reasons for its inclusion in teacher training, the teacher's responsibility, and ethical dilemmas), and the teacher's role in shaping students' moral development.
What are the key themes explored in the preview?
Key themes include the importance of ethics in teacher training, the definition and application of ethics in education, the need for ethical awareness and judgment in teaching, the teacher's dual role in transmitting knowledge and fostering ethical development, and the impact of a teacher's actions on students' well-being.
What is the argument for including ethics in German teacher training?
The preview argues that German teacher training currently neglects ethical considerations, unlike many other countries. It emphasizes the teacher's crucial role in shaping students' character and moral development and highlights the unpreparedness of many German teachers to address ethical dilemmas effectively. The inclusion of ethics is presented as vital for ensuring responsible and ethical teaching practices.
How does the preview define ethics?
The preview defines ethics as "moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity." It notes the lack of a codified ethical standard for educators in Germany, unlike professions like medicine, and discusses the implications of this absence.
What are the chapter summaries about?
The chapter summaries provide detailed overviews of each section of the report. Chapter 1 establishes the central argument for including ethics in teacher training. Chapter 2 provides a foundational understanding of ethics. Chapter 3 delves into the dual ethical dimension of teaching (acting ethically and promoting ethical development in students). Chapter 3.1 explores the justifications for integrating ethics into teacher training programs, focusing on the teacher's responsibility. Chapter 3.1.1 specifically addresses the broad concept of responsibility in teaching, including legal and ethical obligations.
What are the key words associated with this topic?
Keywords include: Ethics in education, teacher training, Germany, ethical dilemmas, responsibility, moral development, teacher's role, professional ethics, ethical decision-making, and code of conduct.
What is the overall conclusion suggested by the preview?
The preview concludes that integrating ethics into German teacher training is essential for improving teaching quality, empowering teachers, and ensuring the ethical development of students. It highlights the need for a greater emphasis on ethical awareness and responsible decision-making within the teaching profession in Germany.
What kind of data is used to support the arguments?
While specific data isn't detailed, the preview mentions using survey data illustrating a significant need for ethical training among pre-service teachers in a similar context (Australian pre-service teachers), suggesting a parallel need in Germany.
Is there a specific code of conduct mentioned for German teachers?
The preview notes the absence of a codified ethical standard specifically for educators in Germany, contrasting this with the existence of codes of conduct in many educational institutions and other professions.
- Quote paper
- Brigitte Wildberger (Author), 2013, The Importance of including Ethics in Teacher Training Courses in Germany, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/358327
