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Teaching as a Profession and Qualities of Professional Teachers and Code of Ethics of

the Malaysian Teaching Profession

Quah Swee Suan

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Concept of ProfessionGordon Marshall (1998) a type of work orientation a form of work organization , includes some central

regulatory body to ensure the standard of performance of individual members is conformed to the profession.

each type of profession has its own code of conduct. A professional required careful management of

knowledge in relation to the expertise which constitutes the basis of the professional activities.

Associated with personal service, involving confidentiality and full trust (doctors, lawyers, accountants……..)

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Concept of ProfessionLiebernman (USA) summarize profession as :• “ A profession is a typical form of

occupation conducted by professionals who are trained with special skill, and are honest, dedicated, responsible, and possess high moral standards, vested with autonomy during service, observe and follow faithfully to the Code of Ethics of the professional organization.”

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Teacher as a professional• Possesses academic as well as professional qualification based on teacher

training course attended.• Possesses autonomy in class management and methods of teaching in the

classroom. • Member of teacher organization.• Observe and follow the Code of Ethics of the teacher organization.• A professional service to the pupils, society and nation.• Recognized as educational specialists.

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Teacher as a non-professional

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The teaching profession in Malaysia today is still lack of certain professional characteristics in order to be classified as a profession.

teaching job is not restricted to those trained teachers only.

not every teacher is a member of any teacher association.

neither one of the teacher organization is vested with the power to control the number of new members , nor have the right to expel the members if they do not observe the Code of Ethics.

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A teacher has only limited autonomy because a lot of decision are usually made by the school authority.

Teachers possess different academic qualifications (SPM, STPM, university degree….) and were placed under different salary schemes, Sistem Saranan Malaysia (SSM). Teachers do not have the autonomy to decide the payment for their service.

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Characteristics and Qualities of Professional Teachers

Characteristics and qualities of professional teachers are closely related to the teaching values which encompasses individual, social, and professional characteristics and qualities of teachers.

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Individual Characteristics and Qualities

Kind –hearted Humorous Patient Responsible Confidence Leadership Other teaching values:

considerate, fairness, adaptable, firm, dedicated, authorative and tolerant.

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Social Characteristics and Qualities

• Teacher is not only confined to teaching in the classroom.

• Has to interact with colleagues, parents and local community outside classroom.

• Has to cultivate good relationship and cooperative spirit among teachers, parents and local community for the development and progress of the pupils and school.

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Social Characteristics and Qualities

Well-manner Friendly Modest Dedicated Honest Other teaching values:

• dedication, communicative, positive spirit, motivation, and innovative

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Professional Characteristics and QualitiesHigh professional qualities are important and necessary for a qualified trained teacher. Inquisitive Powerful memory Professional quality Communicative Innovative Others: dedication, communicative,

positive spirit, motivation, and innovative.

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Code of Ethics of the Malaysian Teaching Profession

Responsibility towards students† emphasize on students’ welfare and

safety more than other matters. † fair in dealing with every student

without considering any factors such as physical, mental, emotional, political, economic and social aspects.

† treat personal information of students as confidential and only reveal to those who have the right to acquire.

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Responsibility towards students

† to guide or reach any student in the class without any fee charge.

† to exemplify the proper way of dressing , speaking and behavior

† to improve and upgrade teacher professionalism by means of study, research, and attend professional course, conference, meeting or seminar.

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Responsibility towards parents† to respect the sole responsibility of parents towards

their children.† to establish cordial relationship and cooperation

between the school and the pupils’ parents. † to treat all information supplied by parents as

confidential.† to inform parents about matter that concerning on the

welfare of the pupils. † to avoid using parents’ social and economic status for

personal gain. † to avoid using inappropriate remark o f behavior which

can affect the pupils’ confidence on their parents or guardian.

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Responsibility towards society and nation

• to avoid any teaching which can bring harm to the pupils ,society or nation, or which is contradictory to the pupils National Principles.

• to instill pupils with positive attitudes and noble values so that they will become loyal, responsible and useful citizens, and respect elders and people of different culture, racial descendant and religion.

•To respect the school and to fulfil all the responsibilities as good citizens.

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To foster the spirit of cooperation and common understanding among colleagues and parents, and members of education institution and society.

To provide positive contribution in to upgrade the standard of living, including moral, cultural and educational aspects of the society.

To adhere to the principles of good behaviour according to the values of the society.

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Responsibility towards colleagues and the teaching profession

† to avoid making any remark or comment in front of students or parents, or commit any act that will affect the good reputation or self-respect of any colleague.

† not to involve in any activity which will affect the efficiency performance of the teachers as a whole.

† to work dedicatedly to fulfil the responsibility of a teacher, strive hard to maintain the good image of a teacher.

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Responsibility towards colleagues and the teaching profession

† always ready to assist colleagues, especially those who are recently appointed in the teaching profession.

† always caution of any action that might tarnish the good reputation of the teaching profession.

† to join as member of the teacher organization.

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Any question??

Analyze the Code of Ethics of the Malaysian Teaching Profession

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Thank you for your cooperation !