The need for ODL student teachers' awareness of ethical professional training

Abstract

No ethical and professional development of student teachers can take place without the ethical and professional conduct of mentor teachers. A need to determine whether teacher training programmes need to present more in-depth and authentic learning experiences that deal specifically with ethical behaviour is an important issue for all residential and open distance learning (ODL) teacher training institutions. The problem regarding the professional image of teachers is a huge concern in view of the recent reports of teacher misbehaviour, which still occurs and is even escalating according to the newspapers. The aim is to determine the nature of ethical behaviour of teachers and how to equip ODL student teachers for ethical behaviour in their teaching careers. A qualitative research approach was used. The article draws on data generated from documents and a document analysis was done to interpret the data. The professional code of conduct, emphasised by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), was used as a theoretical framework. It became clear from the data that examples of unethical behaviour exist and that there is a need for the introduction of modules in teacher training programmes with the focus on authentic learning experiences that will enhance the ethical professional development of students during the training years.