ETHICAL AMBIGUITY: A VIEW OF ETHICAL DILEMMAS CONFRONTED AS A GRADUATE STUDENT AND TEACHING ASSISTANT

The bond created between an instructor and their students is the most rewarding aspect of the teaching profession. Teaching at the college level is a great privilege and responsibility that few ever have the opportunity to experience. Graduate students are often awarded with teaching assistantships, which allow them to explore this highly esteemed realm. However, this position also places the graduate student in an awkward situation being both a student and an instructor. The bond that develops between an instructor and their students is based on a sensitive and complex balance between respect and likeability.

The type of bond created is a reflection of the ethical decisions made throughout the semester, and directly influences the student's academic success. Finding the proper balance can be a challenge when the student becomes a friend. Defining this boundary, defines the integrity of the instructor. Ethical choices are believed to be impartial; however, these decisions are often influenced by outside sources and personal experience. It is primarily through personal conflict that my understanding and knowledge of ethics has been acquired.

As a graduate student, teaching assistant, and lecturer of three years, in the Department of Geology at San José State University, I have recognized three crucial periods in an instructor-student relationship; the first impression, day-to-day interaction, and last impression. These ambiguous periods are defined by evaluation, analysis, and testing and can be highly influenced by peers, colleagues, and professors.