The Ethical Professor

Thinking well and doing good in academia.

Mitchell M. Handelsman Ph.D.

Critical Considerations in COVID College Classrooms

Based on my one semester of experience teaching remotely, here are five principles I'm keeping in mind as I prepare for next semester and wait for my vaccine.

To Be Seen or Not to Be Seen?

Here’s one issue I’d like to get your input on as I prepare for next semester:  Should instructors require students to keep their cameras on while they’re in a Zoom classroom?

Effective Teaching and Ethical Leadership

The big question for me has been how to translate what I know about teaching and learning to Zoom. 

Are We Wasting Our Time in Class?

Two things happened last week that got me thinking (a tough task) about what students are learning in college.

What We May Be Learning in College This Year

In these difficult times, it’s easy to get lost in what we’ve lost. What might we be learning that will be useful in a post- (or between-) pandemic world?

Grading Gone Good

How student voices can save a semester.

Teaching in Uncertain Times

I hear this a lot these days: “Everything’s different.” But that’s a trap that I don’t want to fall into.

Boundaries: It's About Time

Is it ethical to make students work before the semester starts?

How Many Points for Failure?

A case study about grading in college courses. What would you do?

The Case of the Proffered Points: What Would You Do?

During these crazy times, teaching and learning continue. Thus, I present a situation we can ponder while we’re waiting for our next teleconference to start.

Should College Teachers Use Collaborative Techniques?

A reader of my blog makes several interesting and important arguments for not teaching collaboration skills—with which I disagree, or at least have questions.

Let's Ponder Sonder

"Sonder" is a new word that's not yet listed in traditional dictionaries. Its meaning may make you appreciate your own life experience as well as that of others.

Prudence as a Goal of Ethics Training

Like any virtue, students can develop too much prudence. This can lead to ethical paralysis, the feeling like any professional action involves too much risk.

Swing Your HIPs

College is an investment—and like any investment, you want to maximize your return. However, there is more to college than “seat time.”

An Ethics Parable for Halloween

There’s a plastic pumpkin filled with candy on the little table near the front door of our house. Should I take some candy, or not? 

Should I Share Sample Papers with My Students?

Should I give students sample papers to read before they embark on their own writing assignments?

Three Dilemmas Around College Student Mental Health

A large percentage of students will experience some mental health issues—anywhere from mild feelings of anxiety and depression to serious mental illness.

Says the Graduating Senior Self to the New Freshman Self

What words of encouragement and wisdom can inspire students to persevere, to hold compassion for themselves, and to have faith that they will succeed over the coming year?

My Students Just Improved My Teaching—and Learning

I’m writing about a new wrinkle on a traditional learning method: Flash cards. This innovation was developed by the students in my graduate course on teaching.

Ten Reasons to Teach

I conduct a Teaching Skills Workshop for doctoral students. To motivate them to consider teaching in their careers, here are the reasons I'll share with them on our first day.

3 Transfer Students Walk Into an Advisor’s Office

Once upon a time, during office hours, three potential transfer students walk into my office. They want to complete their degree at my school.

An Open Letter to Ethics Students

Over the years, the students in my ethics courses have had a lot of complaints. Let me address just one.

The Overteaching Trap

There I was, walking down the street, minding my own business, when I saw it.

How to Avoid Distracted Learning in College

Think of students as drivers, and learning as driving.

How Do Professors Feel About Grading Papers?

When I get a set of papers to read, I think about which ones to read first. It’s a very deep question for me, a problem of human motivation. Bring ‘em on!

It's Not Easy Seeing Screen

Online college courses are a national trend. Like most trends, however, some folks jump on the bandwagon without considering potential pitfalls. Today I present two of them.

The Past, Present, and Future of Psychology

Reflections of a new department chair taking stock at the start of a new year.

Teaching with Reasons

Professors talk a lot about the importance of students knowing what they want to get out of college. Professors should also have reasons for their teaching decisions.

The Myth of the Good Night's Sleep

Most of us have probably heard, or said, some variation of this:  “I’m going to do the right thing because I’ll sleep better at night.” That may not be true!

Is the Socratic Method Unethical?

Let’s take a look at the Socratic Method through the lens of ethics.

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