Unit 14: Applied Ethics and Examination Preparation

1. Introduction

Unit 14 serves as the culmination of the course, enabling you to revisit and synthesise key concepts, frameworks, and practices related to ethics and deontology in education. Through applied activities and practical reflection, this unit prepares you for the final in-person exam while also fostering your professional development through the drafting of a personal ethical teaching statement.

2. Synthesis of Course Themes

Throughout the course, we have explored various ethical domains, including:
·       Classroom conduct and professional responsibility
·       Assessment fairness
·       Research with students
·       Data privacy
·       Inclusive practices
·       Cultural representation
·       Global language justice
🧩 Activity: In small groups, compile a mind map linking themes from each unit to ethical principles such as respect, justice, responsibility, and integrity.

3. Ethical Decision-Making in Practice

You are now equipped with frameworks to navigate professional dilemmas. These include:
·       The Ethical Triangle: Combining rules, outcomes, and care.
·       The Eight-Step Model: Identifying facts, stakeholders, and evaluating options.
·       Reflective Equilibrium: Balancing intuition, principles, and consequences.
📝 Scenario: You are asked to grade a student leniently due to political connections. How do you respond? Justify using a decision-making model.

4. Analysing Complex Case Studies

Real-world ethical challenges often involve multiple dimensions. Consider the following example:
Case Study: A student’s parent, who is also a local official, requests access to exam results before they are published. The student is underperforming, and the parent implies this could influence future school funding.
✍️ Task: Analyse this case using at least two ethical frameworks from the course. Discuss in groups.

5. Examination Format and Expectations

The in-person written exam will include:
·       Section A: Definitions and short answer questions (30%)
·       Section B: Case study analysis (40%)
·       Section C: Essay question on a course theme (30%)
📋 Preparation Tips:
·       Review your notes and activities from each unit.
·       Practise writing brief ethical justifications.
·       Revisit readings and key frameworks.

6. Personal Ethical Teaching Statement

This final task invites you to reflect on your own teaching identity and values.
✍️ Prompt: Write a one-page ethical statement answering:
·       What values will guide your teaching?
·       How will you resolve ethical dilemmas?
·       How will you uphold integrity, inclusion, and justice in your classroom?
Tip: Use examples from the course to illustrate your beliefs.

7. Summary Table: Ethical Themes and Practical Applications

8. Final Reflection Prompt

Forum discussion topic:
Reflecting on this course, what has changed in your understanding of educational ethics? What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to meet them as an ethical educator?

9. Conclusion

Unit 14 brings the course full circle by integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world application, reinforcing the idea that ethical practice is an ongoing, reflective process. As students prepare for the final examination, they are encouraged to connect course themes with their personal values and future responsibilities as educators. Through case studies and the development of a personal ethical statement, this unit emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, critical thinking, and professional integrity. It marks not an end point, but a transition into lifelong ethical engagement in education.