‘I’m aware of that, but … ’: breaking the silence on moral distress among language teachers
8
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
07908318
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85158095817
Journal Title
Language, Culture and Curriculum
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Language, Culture and Curriculum (2023)
Suggested Citation
Thumvichit A. ‘I’m aware of that, but … ’: breaking the silence on moral distress among language teachers. Language, Culture and Curriculum (2023). doi:10.1080/07908318.2023.2189268 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/81585
Title
‘I’m aware of that, but … ’: breaking the silence on moral distress among language teachers
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Moral distress (MD) is defined as knowing what to do in an ethical situation but being unable to do it. Although this definition was originally meant for healthcare practitioners, it is instantly recognised by those in the teaching profession. This study adopted Q methodology to identify and characterise foreign language teachers’ viewpoints regarding morally distressing situations. Thirty-three teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) performed a card-sorting task. The sources of MD were characterised into three categories: limited control, violation of personal values and lack of voice. Teachers may be reluctant to pathologise MD because it can arise within everyday scenarios. The findings contribute to the development of supportive strategies for EFL teachers in response to various sources of MD.