Professional Ethics, Communication, and Digital Competence in Teaching
What the domain covers
This domain addresses how you act as a professional: your ethical responsibilities, your communication with students, families and colleagues, and your competent, safe use of digital tools.
Concepts to master
- Ethical principles: integrity, fairness, confidentiality, respect for dignity, avoidance of conflict of interest, and appropriate boundaries.
- Child protection and safeguarding: recognising signs of harm and following reporting procedures; never investigating alone.
- Communication: clear, respectful, solution-focused language with families; active listening; cultural sensitivity; appropriate channels and records.
- Digital competence: using technology to support learning (not to replace pedagogy), data protection, digital citizenship, accessibility, and critical evaluation of online resources.
- Professional collaboration: sharing practice, giving and receiving feedback, and maintaining confidentiality within teams.
Traps in questions
A frequent trap is an option that seems kind but breaches confidentiality (e.g., discussing a student’s needs in a public staffroom). Another is using technology for its own sake, or sharing student data on unsecured platforms. Questions may also test the correct reporting route: follow policy and designated persons, do not promise secrecy when a safeguarding concern exists.
Rule of thumb
Before acting, ask three questions: Is it fair? Is it confidential? Is it in the learner’s best interest? If any answer is uncertain, consult the designated person and follow policy.
Worked example
A parent asks a teacher for another student’s assessment results. The correct response is to decline politely, explain confidentiality, and offer to discuss their own child’s progress, referring any concern through the proper channel.