-ETHICS- STUDENT/LECTURER,LECTURER/LECTURER RELATIONSHIPS P. Pashapa

OUTLINE Defining ethics Some Observations Lecturer roles and obligations Unethical behaviours Effects on students and lecturers Benefits of good ethical behaviour

Common Occurrences Thigh for a pass Teacher writes exam for student Exam scripts go missing Lecturer sells degree certificates Examinations leaked Examination question papers circulating in hostels Lecturer proposal captured on cell phone Students drugged and raped during a party

Why Ethics A means of deciding on a course of action Students spend a great part of their lives at school and therefore educational institutions contribute significantly to the quality of their lives Teachers/lecturers turn into very important people due to the impact they make while teaching

Defining Ethics The right vs the wrong The good vs the evil Moral duty Moral obligation Moral philosophy A system of moral values A guide for action Values and associated behaviours

Some Observations The education profession is vested by the public with trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service Students’ expectations on lecturers’ actions are higher regarding ethics The collective and individual action of a member will affect the overall image of the institution

Obligations: You shall not Deny the student access to varying points of view Unreasonably restrain the student from independent action in the pursuit of learning Deliberately suppress or distort subject matter relevant to the student’s progress Intentionally expose the student to embarassment or belittling Exclude any student from participating in any programme on the basis of race, sex, religion etc

Deny any benefits to any student on the basis of race, creed, colour, culture, sexual orientation etc Grant any advantage to any student on the basis of race, colour, creed etc Use professional relationships with students for private advantage Disclose information about students obtained in the course of professional service

Lecturer/Student Relationship There has to be a sort of closeness between a student and his/her lecturer Such closeness must be cordial and tolerant The lecturer should always be on the lookout for signs of the development of unethical behaviour The source of unethical behaviour can be the lecturer or the student

Taking advantage of the student Sexual relationships Victimisation UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR Taking advantage of the student Sexual relationships Victimisation

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE STUDENT Demand money from students especially male students Demand payment in kind or flesh rather than cash especially female students Influencing students to be frivolous since they can always finance their way through

SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP Normally involves male staff and younger female students (can also be lesbian/gay or female lecturer and male student) Power imbalance since lecturer awards grades, sets exams, grants or denies extensions, lecturer sits on examination boards The student’s freedom of choice is reduced

VICTIMISATION A result of the student’s lack of cooperation in sexual relationship and payment or other favours Students normally do not have evidence or proof The law is likely to side with the lecturer The student may fail the course May be very embarrassing to married female students

EFFECTS ON STUDENT Student becomes isolated and labeled by both staff and students Student suffers extreme distress Student may be harassed - over severe marking Student may abandon studies in order to terminate relationship

EFFECTS ON LECTURER Student may complain of sexual harassment if relationship breaks down The relationship may be considered a disciplinary offence Other students may feel some are getting preferential treatment Loss of respect Tension is created between the whole group of students and lecturer Staff conflicts (Should I or shouldn’t I report?)

LECTURER/LECTURER RELATIONSHIP Shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about a colleague Shall not disclose info about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service Shall not accept gratuity, gift, or favour that might impair or influence professional decisions or action Be responsible and accountable for your actions

Be fair and honest Encourage others to act in an ethical and professional manner

BENEFITS OF GOOD ETHICS Cultivation of strong teamwork and productivity Promotion of a strong public image Strengthening of the university’s culture Improves trust in lecturer/student and lecturer/lecturer relationships Enables the achievement of high standards/quality of work and products

CONCLUSION Treat every student as your own child You are your brother’s keeper You should always be humble and honest in your dealings with yourself and with both students and colleagues