An Assessment of the Ethical Problems of the Secondary School Teachers of Bure Woreda

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the ethical problems in the secondary school teachers in Bure Woreda, Ilubabor Zone, South west Ethiopia. Descriptive survey design was conducted in four secondary schools in the Bure woreda: Bondawo, Hachalu Hundessa, Bure Nicholas Bohm, and Sibbo. Standard questionnaire, focus groups, and interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. This study showed that there are violations of ethical standards in regard to responsibility to one's profession, professional competence, student and teacher relationship, school community, and use of technology. The study further revealed even if instructors have a basic awareness of some of the principles relevant to the professions code of ethics for teachers, there is still a significant knowledge gap. According to the survey the conduct of research in an ethical and responsible is among the major challenge for profession competence. According to the survey lack of using respectful language and consideration their culture when speaking with pupils is another main problem that was investigated. Furthermore, proper and timely communication with parents and guardians was one of the issues that are undermined. The study also demonstrated majority of teachers lack responsible and proper use of technology primarily for teaching and learning reasons. A number of recommendations were made by the research. Policymakers should think about raising awareness about the value of ethics codes and proper use of technology for teaching and learning. Educational stakeholders should promote right use of technology for teaching and learning. As part of this, policymakers and education stakeholders should think about developing capacity and raising the standard of teaching and learning. Teachers should consider gaining the ability to communicate with pupils in a kind and culturally sensitive way. We also recommend teachers to share and regularly put their professional code of ethics into practice.