Proceedings of the 1998 Korea TESOL Conference March 1999 105 WorkshopReport: Ethical Considerations for Asian ELT: Formulating Standards ROBERT J. DICKEY Kyongju University T his workshop consisted of an open discussion on the need for and orientation of a possible code of ethics for EFL teachers in Asia. A 10-page handout of definitions and citations from publications, as well as specific codes from various professional sources, was used as a starting point for discussions. There seemed to be a consensus in the group with the basic tenets of the handout, that some form of ethical standards are important in recognition of EFL as a bona-fide profession, and that these standards needed to be worked out by professionals themselves within this part of the world. Some important concerns voiced by participants included the possibility that employers could use TEFL ethical standards as a disciplinary tool— particularly a fear that they might misuse the standards. A brainstorming session produced the following ideas of contents that should or should not be included in any consideration of development of a formal code of ethics for Teachers of English in Asia: SHOULD be included • subject matter to be taught • personal vs. professional ethics • conduct in class—out of class • relationships between colleagues and students • measuring students’ progress with testing • relationships between teacher and administration • copyright vs. photocopier, and the teacher’s role • teacher’s conduct and behavior • teaching methods • gift-giving • teacher evaluation • the syllabus as a contract with learners • administrative intervention in the classroom • information to be made available to students regarding methodology, teacher’s qualifications, and relevant teacher’s details • private tutoring • teacher’s work contract vs. oral agreements: enforcement & “living up to the bargain” • relationship with student norms: our expectations vs. students’ expectations of “norm” SHOULD NOT be included in considerations of ethical codes • private tutoring • private lives unrelated to professional activities