1 moral dilemma vignette instructions W r i t i n g

CD 131 N. Hernandez
Assignment #1
Moral Dilemma Vignette
Instructions for Part I:
1. Read the ethical dilemmas below.
a. Dilemma 1
You came from India when you were 12 and are fully bilingual and biliterate in
English and in your home language. You have just gotten a new girl in your
classroom, Madhu whose family speaks the same dialect that you do. Madhu has
no understanding of English so you have been speaking to her in her home
language so she will feel comfortable and understood in the classroom. Her
parents have requested that you speak to her only in English because they want
her to learn the language of this country. You are uncomfortable with this
because you know that research shows that children who can’t understand their
environment feel powerless and that their adjustment to the new setting is more
difficult. You have asked her mother to meet with you so you can discuss this
situation with her.
b. Dilemma 2
You have been caring for four year old Jamie for the past six months. While
Jamie is a great kid, when things don’t go his way he gets really angry. He throws
things and can be destructive. It’s getting to the point that you feel like you
ignoring the other children while trying to handle Jamie. You have been trying to
be consistent in your discipline of Jamie, but you’re starting to wonder if you
should ask his parents to find another childcare setting for him.
2. Answer the following questions for each of the dilemmas.
a. When you read the dilemma, what was your first thought?
b. What do you think is the main concern, issue or problem in each scenario?
c. If you were the caregiver in each situation, what would you do?
d. How do you think the parents would react to your solution?
e. Did you consider the parents point of view? Why or why not?
3. When you have finished this portion of the assignment, please scroll down and
complete part II. DO NOT READ PART II UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED PART 1.
CD 131 N. Hernandez
Instructions for Part II:
4. Read the parent’s perspectives to the scenarios in part 1.
a. Dilemma 1
You and your family are new to the United States and are here without the
extended family that you had in India. Your husband insists that you put your 2-
year-old daughter Madhu in a program with other children so she can learn
English. He feels that it is essential to her success in this country to become
fluent in English. However, in the classroom Madhu’s teacher is also from India
and she speaks the same dialect as your family. She insists on speaking to Madhu
in her home language even though you have asked her to speak to her only in
English. You are trying to follow your husband’s wishes, but do not know how to
insist that the teacher do as you have asked. Now, the teacher has asked to meet
with you and you are concerned about what she wants and what you should say
to her.
b. Dilemma 2
Jaime lives with his mom in an apartment with 4 other people. There are many
nights when Jaime is not able to sleep because the apartment is loud. He spends
most of his time watching TV because his mom works a double shift and his
other family members do not want to take him outside. Jaime only sees his
mom in the morning before school drop off. Jaime’s mom is trying to find a new
job so she can spend more time with Jaime, but it has been difficult to go to
interviews because she can’t miss work.
5. Answer the following questions:
a. What is your first thought after reading these dilemmas?
b. If you were the caregiver, what would you do?
c. Did the parent’s point of view change your solution? Why or why not?
d. Why do you think it is important to look at a dilemma from various points of
view?