The Case of Genie displayed a number of ethical dilemmas that researchers, scientists, and others in Genie's life experienced. As special educators we too face ethical dilemmas as we try to be excellent teachers, researchers, and professionals. What is one thing that you took away from the Case of Genie that will help you think ethically about the work you do with children with special needs?
It is important to not get so lost in the idea of data that the well-being of the child is overlooked. We need to collect data and give information to parents' on how a student is doing. At the same time though, there are times that a child needs a break or someone to talk to instead of the progress monitoring test that the schedule indicates should be completed today. Treating students ethically not only means making sure they are safe, but also worrying about a student's overall well-being.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the Case of Genie I think, as always, it is important to make sure you have the child's best interest. Although parents may disagree with some decisions you make, as an educator, you can always reassure yourself that the choices were made to help better the child. However, it comes to a point where the child has to be allowed to be a child and testing needs to be put to the side for a short time. The well-being of the child must always be held in high regard.
ReplyDeleteGenie's case was so interesting and I can see why all the doctors, teachers and scientists were so eager to work with her. What I think happened is that it was such a rare case, all those people forgot she was a young girl. They put their fame, research, and money before the welfare of the child. I will always work with the mindset that all the children, regardless of their needs and abilities are learning how to make their way in this world and I will play an integral part of their life. They will learn from me, academically, emotionally, and behaviorally and will never be viewed as an experiment. Their best interest will always take precedence over any interests that would result in career advancement and put a child at risk.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to always have the best interest of the child. I think the researchers and teachers all meant well for Genie and wanted to work with her but lines started to get blurred when money and publishing was involved. I think as a special educator we need to be ethical as we are there for the students to help the students improve and make strides. My goal as a teacher is to help the students grow and blossom in the classroom not be little tests for me. In your heart you know what is right for the students and know when limits are being pushed too far for a student.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in Genie's case there was truly a good intent to help her to be successful. I think that the doctors and scientists got to a point where they became so involved and determined to find evidence of improvement(as well as receiving monetary benefits) that they lost sense of Genie's well-being as an individual. As an educator, I think that it is important to make sure we are always cognizant of what we are doing and being aware of the well-being of our students and what they need as individuals to be successful.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important thing I took away from the case of Genie is always to keep the best interest of the child in mind. I believe the people working with Genie had good intentions, but as the study came to an end, things fell apart. It is hard to predict where a study may end up, but all aspects pertaining to the best interest of the child must be considered throughout.
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