Proceedings of the World Conference on Teaching, Learning, and Education,
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Moral Orientation and Resolving Ethical Dilemmas: Implications for Pre-Service Innovations
Linda K. Cummins, and Laurie Wellner
ABSTRACT:
This virtual presentation will address the Educational Policy and Leadership topic of Teacher Education by using a research to practice approach. Building on the empirical research of the presenters on moral orientation ((Ethic of Justice vs. Ethic of Care) ) and commitment to core professional values and their roles in resolving ethical dilemmas (Cummins & Wellner, 2023), educational innovations for pre-service curriculum and training on moral voice and resolving ethical dilemmas will be explored using a case study based interactive session providing opportunities for understanding the depth and complexities of resolving ethical dilemmas. Pre-service teachers often first experience ethical dilemmas in the school setting during their pre-service teaching practicum. Pre-service teachers are required to navigate challenging situations that call for decision-making processes for students while adhering to policies, creating tension in their professional role. A source of ethical dilemmas for teachers can occur when core professional values and preferred moral voice are in conflict with educational policies, which can lead to environments, relationships, and decisions that are detrimental to students’ academic achievement and teacher retention. The session outcomes have implications for pre-service training, and critical professional issues. Training pre-service teachers in the art of resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicting obligations within the context of care while adhering to school policies may be a critical step in addressing the professional concerns of low academic outcomes and teacher attrition.
keywords: Professional Values, Critical professional issues, Justice vs. Care, Pre-service teachers, Pre-service training