TPS3704
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
, Teaching Practice for Senior Phase IV - TPS3704
QUESTION 1
1.1 Identification and analysis of ethical and professional breaches (15 marks)
Three clear ethical and professional breaches are evident in the extract.
Firstly, the use of a generalised and judgmental remark about learner discipline
constitutes an ethical breach.
By stating that learners who fail to submit work “lack discipline and commitment,” the
student teacher failed to consider learners’ diverse socio-economic circumstances.
Although Lerato was not mentioned by name, the timing and context of the comment
resulted in her being publicly embarrassed. This is ethically problematic because
teachers have a duty to protect learners’ dignity and emotional well-being. Such
comments may lead to stigma, humiliation, and emotional harm, which directly
contradict the principles of care and respect expected of educators.
Secondly, the breach of confidentiality when discussing Lerato’s academic
challenges in a public space is unethical.
The student teacher discussed Lerato’s difficulties with another student teacher in a
corridor where learners could overhear. Learner information, especially relating to
academic performance and personal circumstances, must be treated as confidential.
This behaviour violates professional trust and exposes the learner to further
embarrassment and anxiety.
Thirdly, inappropriate use of social media represents a serious professional
breach.
Posting frustrations about learners on social media, accompanied by a classroom
photo, even without naming individuals, is unprofessional. Learners are identifiable
through context, and such posts damage trust between learners and teachers. This
conduct undermines the professional image of teachers and fails to uphold ethical
standards related to digital professionalism.
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
, Teaching Practice for Senior Phase IV - TPS3704
QUESTION 1
1.1 Identification and analysis of ethical and professional breaches (15 marks)
Three clear ethical and professional breaches are evident in the extract.
Firstly, the use of a generalised and judgmental remark about learner discipline
constitutes an ethical breach.
By stating that learners who fail to submit work “lack discipline and commitment,” the
student teacher failed to consider learners’ diverse socio-economic circumstances.
Although Lerato was not mentioned by name, the timing and context of the comment
resulted in her being publicly embarrassed. This is ethically problematic because
teachers have a duty to protect learners’ dignity and emotional well-being. Such
comments may lead to stigma, humiliation, and emotional harm, which directly
contradict the principles of care and respect expected of educators.
Secondly, the breach of confidentiality when discussing Lerato’s academic
challenges in a public space is unethical.
The student teacher discussed Lerato’s difficulties with another student teacher in a
corridor where learners could overhear. Learner information, especially relating to
academic performance and personal circumstances, must be treated as confidential.
This behaviour violates professional trust and exposes the learner to further
embarrassment and anxiety.
Thirdly, inappropriate use of social media represents a serious professional
breach.
Posting frustrations about learners on social media, accompanied by a classroom
photo, even without naming individuals, is unprofessional. Learners are identifiable
through context, and such posts damage trust between learners and teachers. This
conduct undermines the professional image of teachers and fails to uphold ethical
standards related to digital professionalism.
