Rationale for Inclusion within Public/Christian Schools
4
What is Ethical Behaviour?
“Ethical behaviour is characterised by honesty, fairness and equity in interpersonal, professional and academic relationships and in research and scholarly activities. Ethical behaviour respects the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals and groups of people.”
(Retrieved from http://www.itn.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=58)
Within the Australian educational system, students are encouraged to develop their understanding about ethics. Their understanding is improved slowly throughout their educational journeys through studying different topics and ethical concepts. Investigating these different concepts allows the students to build their own personal opinions and ideals. Having an ethical position prepares the students for situations where there may be a conflict or disagreement.
The learners of today are encouraged to behave ethically to become socially responsible members of society. Ethical behaviour is distinguishing right from wrong; good from bad and knowing what to do when a conflict arises.
Ethical Behaviour
“There’s a big fear out there that somehow teaching ethics in school will seep into students a particular religious viewpoint,” says Dr. Bruce Weinstein, aka The Ethics Guy. “But ethics must be taught and are being taught in school. It’s impossible not to teach ethics in a school” (Weinstein, 2009).
“According to Weinstein, there are five basic principles of ethics that are common to all faiths:
•Do no harm
•Make things better
•Respect others
•Be fair
•Be loving”
(Weinstein, 2009).
Ethics in a Christian school can be viewed as aiming to reflect the character of Christ in our own lives. In public schools, ethics are important, but not as directly taught as they would be in a Christian school. In a Christian school the bible part of the curriculum is integral to the learning experience of the child. This bible curriculum that often times is carried over all KLA’s is used to shape the child’s moral and ethical understanding and beliefs. Without this bible curriculum in a public school, the role of ethics would not play as much of an important or integral role in the overall learning experience. As a teacher in a Christian school, there would be set guidelines as a way to live your life. These guidelines are the same as what are found in the bible. The aim of Christian teacher should be to reflect the character of Christ and have a positive impact on the lives of their students. This may not always be the case, but should be the aim of any Christian teacher. A public school teacher as well as a Christian school teacher should aim to do no harm, make things better, respect others, be fair and be loving” (Weinstein, 2009).