Ethics & Expectations
Ethics in the Classroom
I really hate to hear teachers talk about how they have Rules & Regulations in the classroom. It seems so punitive. I prefer to teach my students about the ethics of being a responsible student and the expectations I have of them. The Greek word ethos is related to our word ethics or ethical, but a more accurate "modern" translation would be image. Aristotle refers to ethos as how we are perceived by others. Ethos is often the first thing we notice and so it becomes our first impression that influences how we perceive the rest. Ethos is influenced by values and beliefs and is what truly shapes our character. So what is the role of ethics in the classroom? Ask yourself the following:
- What image do I want to project to my classmates and teacher?
- What can I do to help project this image?
- What words, ideas or actions do you want to avoid in order not to harm your image?