Handbook for Human Values & Professional Ethics
Whoever adopts teaching as a profession assumes the obligations to conduct him/her in accordance with the ideal of the profession. A teacher is constantly under the scrutiny of his students and the society at large. Therefore, every teacher should see that there is no incompatibility between his precepts and practice. The national ideals of education which have already been set forth and which he/she should seek to inculcate among students must be his/her own ideals. The professional further requires that the teachers should be calm, patient and communicative by temperament and admirable in disposition.
The term value stands for ‘efficacy’. Education is capable of developing individuality and worthiness. At the times, education has built on value-system, conducive to the development of physical, intellectual, moral life. It activates the latent capacities of the individual enabling him or her to recognize ‘truth’, ‘duty’ and ‘goodness’.
I. Teachers should
1. Adhere to a responsible pattern of conduct expected of them by the community;
2. Manage their private affairs in a manner consistent with the dignity of the profession;
3. Seek to make professional growth continuous through study and research;
4. Express free and frank opinion by participation at professional meetings;
5. Maintain active membership of professional organizations and strive to improve education and profession through them;
6. Perform their duties in the form of teaching, tutorial, practical, seminar and research work conscientiously and with the dedication;
7. Co-operate and assist in carrying out function relating to the educational responsibilities of the college and the university such as assisting in appraising applications for admission, advising and counselling students as well as assisting the conduct of university and college examinations, including supervision, invigilation and evaluation; and
8. Participation in extension, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including community service.
II. TEACHERS AND THE STUDENTS
Teachers should
1. Respect the right and dignity of the students in expressing his/her opinion;
2. Deal justly and impartially with students regardless of their religion, caste, political, economic, social and physical characteristics;
3. Encourage students to improve their attainments, develop their personalities and at the same time contribute to community welfare;
4. Recognize the difference in aptitude and capabilities among students and strive to meet their individual need;
5. Inculcate among students scientific outlook and respect for physical labour and ideals of democracy, patriotism and peace;
6. Be affectionate to the students and not behave in a vindictive manner towards any of them for any reason;
7. Pay attention to only the attainment of the students in the assessment of merit;
8. Make themselves available to the students even beyond their class hours and help and guide students without any remuneration or reward;
9. Aid students to develop an understanding of our national heritage and national goals;
III. TEACHERS AND COLLEAGUES
Teachers should
1. Treat other members of the profession in the same manner as they themselves wish to be treated;
2. Speak respectfully of other teachers and render assistance for professional betterment;
3. Refrain from lodging unsubstantiated allegations against colleagues to higher authorities; and
4. Refrain from allowing consideration of caste, creed, religion, race or sec in their professional Endeavour.
IV. TEACHERS AND NON-TEACHING STAFF:
Teachers should
1. Treat the non-teaching staff as colleagues and equal partners in a cooperative undertaking, in the educational institution; and
2. Help in the function or join staff-council covering both teachers and the non-teaching staff.
V. TEACHERS AND GUARDIANS
Teachers should
1. Try to see through teacher’s bodies and organizations, that institutions maintain contact with the guardians, their students, send report of their performance to the guardians, whenever necessary and meet the guardians in meetings convened for the purpose for mutual exchange of ideas and for the benefit of the institution.
VI. TEACHERS AND SOCIETY
Teachers should
1. Recognize that education is a public service and strive to keep the public informed of the educational programmes which are being provided;
2. Work to improve education in the society and strengthen the community’s moral and intellectual life;
3. Be aware of social problems and take part in such activities as would be conductive to the progress of society and hence the county as a whole;
4. Perform the duties of citizenship, participate in community activities and shoulder responsibilities of public offices;
5. Refrain from taking part in or subscribing to or assisting in any way activities which tend to promote feeling of hatred or enmity among different communities, religions or linguistic group but actively work for national integration.