Chapter 4 ETHICAL STANDARDS OF HUMAN SERVICE PROFESSIONALS As you read earlier in the chapter, one challenge professional organizations face is keeping ethical codes current. In 2015, the National Organization for Human Ser- vices revised its Ethical Standards. One of the most important commitments human service professionals make is adherence to the ethical code of the professional organization to which they belong. This means that professionals read carefully the code, frequently review it, and reflect on its meanings. As you read the Ethical Standards at the end of the chapter, you will note that they address the topics discussed at the beginning of this chapter. The preamble introduces the goals or aims of the profession. The ethical standards then divide professional responsibilities into seven areas: to clients, to the public and society, to colleagues, to employers, to the profession, to self, and to students. These ethical standards and those in other helping professions provide guide- lines only. They do not provide answers to all ethical dilemmas. The ethical decision making that follows the ethical standards is helpful when these situations arise. ETHICAL DECISION MAKING LO 4-6 Clearly, no code of ethics or statement of standards can provide a course of action for every situation that might arise in the practice of human services. What does the human service professional do in situations for which there are no guidelines or there are guidelines that conflict? In such ethical dilemmas, the conflict is in determining the right thing to do regarding obligations to two or more constituencies: situations when a choice exists between contradictory directives or standards or an undesirable outcome for one or more persons results no matter the alternative (Dolgoff, Harrington, & Loewenberg, 2011). The areas of confidentiality, role con- flict, and counselor competence frequently present complex ethical dilemmas that are often not easy to resolve. Rather than attempt to provide possible solutions to every situation that comes to mind, this subsection will introduce ethical decision making for your consideration that can be applied to many dilemmas to determine a course of action. Determining the best action under the circumstances and with the individuals involved is at the crux of ethical decision making. To accomplish this, the helper must assume an attitude of moral responsibility. This should be distinguished from the kind of responsibility discussed earlier in this chapter. That responsibility is imposed by some higher authority, such as the profession or the government; it may be interpreted as one’s duty. Moral responsibleness, on the other hand, comes from within the individual, who assumes that there is a course of action that is morally right. A commitment to rational thinking and knowledge of moral principles are necessary components of moral reasoning. This requires that human service pro- fessionals spend time reflecting on their own values and beliefs in order to increase their awareness of their own positions. This is where ethical decision making begins. A second point of consideration in the decisionmaking process is client involve- ment, a basic tenet of both human services and ethics. Not only are the helper’s values and beliefs at play in ethical decision making but also the client’s. Awareness of the beliefs, values, culture, and religion of both the client and the helper will facilitate client involvement as well as increase the rational resolution of an ethical dilemma. A number of ethical decision-making models exist. Early models focused on a sequential number of steps, sometimes 5 or 7 or 9. Diagrams or lists of steps seem to portray a linear process that has been criticized for lack of a multicultural focus and a feminist perspective. In addition, there is little client interaction. Newer models do reflect a multicultural perspective that requires helpers to become more aware of how they see the world and how their views might influ- ence their ethical decision making. One model advocates for culturally sensitive eth- ical decision making based on an ethic of care and consideration of cultural power dynamics (Remley & Herlihy, 2016). Part of this model is the assessment of accul- turation and racial identity of both the client and the helper. Other newer models include a feminist perspective that sees ethical decision making in yet another way. This view takes into account the feelings, intuition, and context of the client, the helper, and the ethical dilemma, believing that traditional decision making follows the information processing style of white males—for exam- ple, linear, logical, and paternalistic (Remley & Herlihy, 2016). Recent trends in ethical decision-making models are the development of specialized models that focus on specific populations or issues. For example, ethical decision mak- ing with a college student over age 18 might be very different from that of a school age child who is a minor and subject to school regulations and policies and parental control. Whichever model you choose to follow when ethical dilemmas arise, rarely will the process be linear. In reality, many aspects of ethical decision making will occur simultaneously. All should involve the client. 1) Identify the problem. This may involve gathering additional information; con- sidering the legal, ethical, moral, and professional perspectives; and determin- ing the issues involved. d. If it is determined that the dilemma is a legal issue, then you will want to consult an attorney, state and local laws, and policies and procedures. 2. Review ethical standards. During this process, you will think about your own values and beliefs and how they are influencing your perspective. 3. Consult with colleagues or experts. Legal counsel, coworkers, and supervisors are some of the resources who can be tapped to obtain different perspectives about the dilemma, improving objectivity. In addition, consultation is also evidence that a helper has acted in good faith if there is a legal challenge to the decision. (WRITE A QUESTION FOR ME TO ASK 4. Identify and explore options. Both brainstorming and consulting are techniques that increase the numbers and types of options worth consideration. An import- ant part of this step is thinking about the desired outcomes and the advantages and disadvantages or risks and benefits of each option. The client is a valuable partner in this process and can help clarify cultural and contextual aspects. 5. Choose a desired course of action and act. Then evaluate both the process and the choice. 6. Evaluation is a critical step in ethical decision making and one that is often neglected. Feelings of relief about a resolution may make the helper think this activity is unnecessary. There are some questions to ask yourself at the conclu- sion of the process. ‘Does the decision feel right to both you and the client? ‘Do you have any feelings of doubt or discomfort? ‘If you could go through the process again, would you arrive at the same conclusion? ‘How would you feel about your decision appearing in the newspaper? We have discussed dilemmas that involve competency and responsibility, confi- dentiality, and clients’ rights and have presented brief cases to illustrate problems that might arise in actual practice. As you consider how you would respond to each case, review the steps in the previous paragraph and follow them as you deliberate. The fol- lowing questions may be useful as you consider how you would respond to each case. 1. State the dilemma clearly. There may be more than one; if so, please think of all that you can. Is it an ethical or legal dilemma? 2. How do culture, family, values and beliefs, and religion influence the dilemma? 3. What options are available to you and the client? 4. What are the disadvantages and advantages of each option, taking into consideration the context and the culture? 5. What action do you choose? 6. What factor most influenced your decision? 7. How do you feel about your decision?

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.