CAS Interview Reflection

Teaching is not merely about methods used and material presented in the classroom, but about shaping students’ lives to help them construct a firm foundation for a successful future. I desire to teach my students basic life skills as well as challenge them to set and reach their highest goals.

(43) Schools give one the time and materials to achieve all what one desire in life. (43) In the same way, I would challenge the students to leverage their energy and time to become the best they can be in their life. (43)

Making sound ethical decisions require an intentional process that utilizes thoughtful reflection, supervision/consultation, and action. Many ethical decision making models exist and the seven-step model introduced by Forester-Miller and Davis (1996) is a succinct amalgamation of these earlier models. The model by Forester-Miller and Davis (1996) follows seven progressive steps: (a) identify the problem, (b) apply the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), (c) determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma, (d) generate potential courses of action, (e) consider the potential consequences of all options and determine a course of action, (f) evaluate the selected course of action, and (g) implement the course of action.

I see students as the next generations’ heroes in so many fields. In my vision, I have to inspire students and prepare them with confidence, knowledge, experience and skills. Which means I encourage, communicate, guide, teach, and assess students in order to enrich their infrastructures.

Apply the ethical decision making model presented in week one lectures (adapted from Beemsterboer, 2010; Velasquez et al, 2009) to the case study.

Now, let's see how learning about the Four Ethical Lenses and a simple method for decision-making can help you resolve a typical ethical dilemma. Ready?

I believe that through the opportunity to research the different aspects of students’ lives I will learn different needs from both theory and practice.

With good ethical research perimeters as we will learn, empowers us with the quality that we may need to improve the wellbeing of others

Wehmeyer, Agran, and Hughes (2000) completed studies that determined that students who are competent to make their own decisions can in turn become less dependent in managing their futures. Acknowledgement of the existing gap in the research on the topic of self-determination and the need for teachers to expand students understanding of these concepts was noted in study by Carter, Trainor, Sun, and Owens (2009). Carter et al. (2009) indicated that teachers are unclear as to how to assess transition components consistent with the requirements of IDEA 2004. Teachers are indecisive as to reliable and valid measures needed to calculate students’ level of proficiency in the areas of the give-and-take of interpersonal skills, skills needed for employment, and problem-solving strategies. Teachers fostering self-determination strategies in their students help to empower the students to adapt and transition to various environments and lifelong daily living

The past few weeks have been tough and definitely not what I was expecting of an ethics unit. Week in, week out I find myself stumped by questions I don’t have the answers to. However more than ever before I am trying to come up with decisive answers regarding what my opinion is on certain ethical issues, rather than just analysing the merits and demerits of other people’s viewpoints.

Students need to develop thinking skills, content knowledge, and social and emotional competencies to steer complex life and work environments. Meanwhile, life and career skills include leadership and responsibility, productivity and accountability flexibility and adaptability, social and cross cultural skills initiative and self-direction,

Making consistently ethical decisions is difficult. Most decisions have to be made in the context of economic, professional and social pressures, which can sometimes challenge our ethical goals and conceal or confuse the moral issues. In addition, making ethical choices is complex because in many situations there are a multitude of competing interests and values. Other times, crucial facts are unknown or ambiguous. Since many actions are likely to benefit some people at the expense of others, the decision maker must prioritize competing moral claims and must be proficient at predicting the likely consequences of various choices. An ethical person often chooses to do more than the law requires and less than the law allows.

Upon entering high school, I made a goal to myself: I wanted to become a better version of myself, realizing my own strengths and weaknesses and, ultimately, preparing to be a part of a completely different atmosphere beyond high school and even college. From the beginning, I knew I was going to find a way to improve academically, as a member of Kingsway’s STEM Academy and Superintendent’s List throughout my high school career. However, I would never think that I, as an eighth grader, would ultimately rise above my classmates, eventually being third in my class freshman year and still enjoying the rigor of taking as many AP and Honors classes as I possibly could fit in my schedule. By being recognized and awarded for my achievements, I finally realized that being this type of student, one that strives to do the best and remains self-motivated no matter what difficulties are faced, gives me a purpose as student and overall enjoyment.

With ethics providing the backdrop for our conduct, on every level from individual to global, studying them is an indispensable way to analyze our behaviors and evaluate our decision making criteria. Different ethical approaches give us perspectives we may not consider from our individual default point of view, while affording us the opportunity to look for shifts in mindsets, attitudes, and values over time, allowing us to see our progress as a society. Additionally, we’re able to compare and contrast our own governing principles against those of others around us, showing us where we fit in our society, as well as measuring how well we’re meeting our self imposed standards. I’ve spent the past few weeks evaluating several essays on ethics as they relate to fields including medicine, sports, and economics, as well as

The education we receive today holds the power to shape the individuals we will be in the future. Not only does our education aid our choices throughout school, but also the choices we make in our personal lives like where we choose to work and how we portray ourselves to society. Personally, I have enjoyed my educational experience. I have enjoyed learning new concepts and interacting with new people. Of course, there are obstacles along the way. However, these obstacles have given me the opportunity to realize my strengths and weaknesses and learn to improve in both areas. As a student, I hold onto my perseverance, seek guidance from influential figures in my life, and embrace my challenges to which all contribute to my hope to become the finest version of myself.