Work Ethics -A Paradigm Shift

by: Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Work ethics is a hot topic in todays business and educational worlds. Yet, how do we define this hybrid phrase with the word work meaning more than a specific outcome and the word ethics being more than the values that enhance that outcome? When we say we are going to work, work becomes the place of employment. When we say we are working, the implication is that we are engaged in a work-related activity and should be performing one or more specific tasks. However, the word work in todays global economy does not easily denote specific outcomes much less measurable ones. Years ago when our economy was agrarian based, farmers said they were going to work the fields. Their work or more specifically the outcomes of their work could be viewed from the plowed fields to the stacked bales of hay. In todays technology and service driven economy, workers outcomes are not as nearly recognizable, but what is noticed is their behavior. Now, ethics is a difficult word to define, as it is more than the enhancement of outcomes. This is aptly demonstrated by the variety of expectations such as being to work or school on time, performing quality work, being self-directed, having self-initiative, or being positive to both fellow contributors and customers. Ethics, from these expectations, encompass the internal behaviors of the contributors or what I really believe are attitudes. Lets step out of the box and construct a new and more accurate term that meets the expectations of both the business and educational worlds. First, lets ask ourselves are we more concerned with the behavior or the attitudes? If we recognize that it is the attitudes that drive the behaviors that generate the outcomes, it would suggest that the contributors attitudes have the greater impact on the outcomes. Next, since behavior has numerous meanings, possibly we can substitute performance for behavior. Performance can be measured provided the organization has accurate and complete expectations, valid assessments that do not penalize the contributors along with a well-communicated strategic plan. Through clearly articulated goals with consistent leadership and management, contributors have the opportunity to improve their performance thereby achieving measurable results.

Attitudes of performance appear then to better describe the desired outcomes and expectations that we have as employers, educators or even parents. As we all are contributors, by focusing on attitudes early in our performance experiences, we have the means to improve ourselves and more importantly our community. About The Author Leanne Hoagland-Smith helps individuals and organizations to secure results usually within 2 to 12 weeks. She coaches lifelong change through proven processes seeking that next level of success. If doubling your revenue, improving your organizational culture or finding balance interests you, visit www.processspecialist.com or ask to subscribe to complimentary copy of Power Choices a monthly newsletter at

As a teacher and beginning researcher, I certainly don't disagree with Ben Jensen and this recent report. As a teacher who has taught in primary and secondary schools as well as teaching education students at university, I welcome more investment in teachers, teacher training and teacher career development with the outcome of improving student learning. Having worked in 6 schools over 14 years, only one was well managed, was student focused with strong leadership informed by contemporary educational research. The other five schools were very poorly managed with little or no effective leadership and in my experience and opinion failed the students and their parents. I have always tried to be the best teacher I can by embracing all professional development opportunities, undertaking professional reading and engaging in substantive conversations with interested colleagues. My most recent teaching experience was teaching a middle childhood class in suburban WA. Naplan results were low and the class was generally working below the expected level of achievement. There were 30 students in a classroom designed to have 22, I had 4 ESL students, 3 students with learning difficulties (two were almost illiterate), 4 students with behavioural problems and seventy five per cent of the class were boys. While I consider myself an experienced and capable teacher I am always willing to learn and improve my practice. Unfortunately, the political climate of the school prevented assistance and funding reaching the students in my class who needed it. When I asked and asked and asked the people in the school whose role it was to assist me to assist my students I was always met with non committal responses. I am disgusted at how unprofessional this school is and how the needs of the children were not at the centre of its operation. Perhaps this situation and others like it are not helping Australia raise its standard of education.

In my thirty year teaching career class sizes for primary classes have changed very little i.e. they're about 30 or just below. However the number of support staff has increased. Thirty years ago it was you alone with thirty kids for the whole week. Things were simple, you gave the work and they did it and you had an acceptable authoritarian approach with a bit of corporal punishment to back you up. Too bad for non english speakers, ADHD kids, aboriginal kids, the strugglers, the misfits, etc. Some effort at catering for these kids is expected now and this is where extra support staff are essential. Reducing classes by a few won't make a lot of difference to teacher's workload or outcomes for children. If I had a choice between smaller classes and more money I'd choose the latter. This would be good for me, but also assist in attracting more academically capable people to primary teaching.

How to Improve Education

By Shannon Buck,

Learn about new technology, as well as life skills. Improving education is an important step in guaranteeing that the students of today grow into mature, responsible adults tomorrow. Students deserve the best education possible, regardless of what government funding may or may not be available. Getting the community involved in student learning is important, as is being sure that the technology in a school continues to be upgraded as needed. Many other factors contribute to improved education as well. Other People Are Reading

Ways to Improve Education at the Primary Level How to Improve Learning Skills

Things You'll Need

Funding Technology Updated curricula

1. Education Improvement Ideas

Keep the technology in a school updated. Learning to use technology is one of the most important things a student can do in school. Teach them everything they need to know about, and they will lead a successful life. Take the time to create a new technological curricula. Learn new techniques for teaching the curricula and design new ways to assess student progress. Grasp new technology and teaching opportunities, and students will flourish. 2 Keep music and art programs in school, but let students experiment more. Allow them to create on their own to encourage them to be successful. Let them choose their own artistic outlets in art class. Encourage them to write music and lyrics, to create their own band, and to make their own music videos. Make artful expression a priority. 3 3 Teach life skills. Bring back home economics class if it has been taken out of the curriculum. Learning to care for families and homes is crucial to students, especially at the high school level. Have community members help out with this. Search out people with particular skills and ask them to volunteer. Many older citizens would enjoy teaching their life skills to students of all ages.
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Teach to the individual student. Figure out what each student's learning style is and cater to it. Learn what it takes for each child to succeed and figure out new ways of assessing each child's progress.
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Offer more extracurricular choices to students, both during and after school. Keep the old activities that are working, and add new ones geared toward student interests. Do a survey of what the students want before incorporating anything.

Have a book club, a scrapbooking club and a writer's critique group. Consider other options as well. Keep up with what the students' needs are.
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6 Keep in mind that healthy students learn better. Consider using some of the old physical education curricula, but adding new opportunities as well. Gear these activities toward student interest and healthy students will abound. Keep archery and swimming and anything else students vote to keep. Add new activities after giving a student survey. Consider a skate park on the premises for those who will enjoy it. Walking, yoga and pilates are other great ideas. Have each student create their own wellness challenge such as that on LetsMove.org. Keep students healthy and motivated by serving only healthy food and beverages. Keep staff and students educated about nutrition, and get them involved in menu planning.