EDU 3108LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Chapter 2Code of Ethics and

Accountability in Teaching

Introduction• In Malaysia, teachers must obey the Teaching

Code of Ethics.• Teachers must possess accountability.• Accountability is defined as the responsibility

to someone or being responsible towards something.

• Accountability in teaching refers to a teacher’s responsibility towards the teaching profession.

Concept of Ethics

• Ethics refers to rules of conduct, customary human interaction with each other and asserts what is right and what is wrong.

• Originated from the Greek word ETHOS which means norms, values, methods and measurements for good human behaviour.

Code of Ethics of Profession

• Rules to assist professional teachers to adhere to the principles set forth in order to keep the good image of their profession.

• To ensure that the teachers did not do something that is undesirable or that would tarnish the image of the teaching profession.

3 main functions of the Profession’s Code of Ethics

Guideline for every member of the profession about the outlined principles of professionalism.

Social control for the community about the related profession.

Help professionals prevent interference from outside the professional organisation about ethical relationship and the members of the profession.

Malaysian Teachers’ Code of Ethics

Responsibility towards Pupils

Responsibility towards Parents

Responsibility towards the Society and Nation

Responsibility towards Colleagues and Teaching Profession

Concept of Accountability in Teaching

• Accountability refers to the attribute of responsibility to a person or to an action and decision as well as being prepared to provide necessary explanation and justification (Kamus Dewan, 2007).

Types of Accountability

Accountability towards pupils• Educate pupils to a level of

excellence in terms of academic and in creating a holistic individual

Accountability towards self• Must be knowledgeable and

competent in the subjects taught.

Accountability towards parents• Performing the task of educating

and forming human capital that is useful to the community.

Accountability towards society and nation

• As an agent of change• Achieving the ambitions and aspirations of the

National Philosophy of Education.

Accountability towards colleagues and teaching profession• Must have a good relationship with

their colleagues so that the image of the profession is preserved.

Integrity of the Teacher

• The word integrity signify wholeness or completeness while its other meaning is the soundness of moral principle and specifically uprighteous, honesty or sincerity (Nillsen, 2004).

• Most common meaning emphasises on moral principle.

• According to Malaysian Institute of Integrity (2004), integrity refers to the superior quality that exists in individuals and organisation.

• Integrity of teachers means teachers need to implement trust and power that is entrusted according to the public interest.

• Teachers must apply the Code of Professional Ethics and Customer Charter in order to create a systematic organisational culture