ETHICS and Values Clarification

Lesson Plan* This lesson plan was written by Gene Fitch.

So as not to disrupt the flow of his lesson plan, I have added Additional Values Clarification resources are listed at the bottom of the plan. CHH

This lesson requires a minimum of 90 minutes to complete. This is due to the amount of time used to appropriately discuss the vignettes (Ethical Decisions 1, 2, 3, and 4).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Participants will define what "ethics" is and its (possible) relationship to our attitudes and values. Participants will have an opportunity to put what they learn into practice through discussion of situational vignettes.

RESOURCES

The Ethics Connection

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/homepage.shtml

Ethics Resources for Teachers and Trainers

http://condor.depaul.edu/ethics/ethc1.html

Methods of Teaching Ethics (This site is mainly K-12, but may have some relevant material)

http://www.iusd.k12.ca.us/curriculum/ethics/sld026.htm

IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES

Step 1

Ask students to first define ETHICS. This is done through open dialogue. This will give the instructor an idea of the students’ experiences and background with the topic. Key words should be recorded on newsprint, chalkboard, overhead, etc. The intent of this discussion is to generate key words such as: values, belief or belief system, morals, principles, code of right and wrong, social values, etc.

Once a list has been generated, the instructor should share their definition of ethics...

...followed by the 5 Cornerstones to Ethical Behavior (Manske, 1987).

Step 2

Ask students to answer the question, "Where do we get "ethics?" For example, ETHICS is not something you run down to Kroger or Wal-Mart to purchase. Given that, how do you "obtain" ethical behavior? Answers should be recorded on newsprint, overhead, chalkboard, etc. Responses might include: family, religion/church, friends, community, role models (sports figures, entertainment personalities).

Step 3

Discuss why it is important to use ethical behavior. Again, feedback should be solicited from students. Reasons for ethical behavior include:

a. Ethical behavior establishes trust

b. Unethical behavior leads to organizational dysfunction.

c. Unethical behavior creates public outrage.

d. Unethical behavior could create a personal moral dilemma.

Step 4

Discuss the steps to ethical decision making (Boatman, 1987).

Step 5

Summarize the discussion to this point. This would be the best place to stop discussion for those individuals with MWF class. The TTh group should have enough time to complete the exercise in one class period dependent upon the discussion generated in Step 6.

Step 6

Break students up into 4-5 groups of no more than 5 students each. Distribute the Ethical Dilemmas. Each group should be given a different dilemma in order to generate more discussion and to present several scenarios. Groups are to report on the result of their discussion and attempt to reach a consensus on how they would respond to the ethical situation presented. Groups should try to use the 5 Steps to Ethical Decision Making as a guide to arriving at their decision.

There will obviously not be one right or wrong answer. Group decisions will be based upon personal experiences and values (BAM!!! That’s the whole point of the discussion). The discussion becomes much more interesting if the instructor is able to provide challenges to whatever decision is reached by the group causing them to rethink their position.

Note: Do not "force" groups to stick to the 5 Step approach previously discussed. The steps are presented as a guide. Often times, groups get so caught up in trying to work through the 5 Steps, they are not able to make a decision regarding the dilemma that they have been assigned. However, emphasis should be placed on using the steps when faced with real life ethical situations.

Final Step

Share the "Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Yourself when Making an Ethical Decision" (Taylor, 1990). For some, these questions may make more sense if they are read and presented as the "Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Yourself when Making an UNethical Decision."

POSSIBLE JOURNAL ENTRIES

Have students discuss an ethical situation that they encountered and how they responded to it.

FOLLOW-UP ASSIGNMENTS

At the beginning of subsequent classes, students may present examples of ethical situations they have encountered during the semester. Students should use their journals to record on-going ethical dilemmas.

Values Clarification Resources

Values Definition What is a value?

values Shuffle Classroom activity

Values auction Classroom activity

A Person Should be 20 character traits to rank in order of importance

Possible Values Clarification Exercises or Journal Entries 5 thought provoking questions