When Teachers Cause Pain
Posted: June 20, 2008I found this article very relevant in the context of the system here in my country. All teachers in public schools have to undergo Ministry of Education Teacher’s training. However, I wonder if government ever provide a child psychology course that can help teacher to be more sensitive to the child when they tried to use examples to relate to a teaching.
Source: Dr James Dobson
Whaty can we do to help children who are at greater risk of social ridicule cope ?
Well, so much depends on how we, as parents and teachers, relate to them and the respect that we show or fail to show in front of their peers.
This point was really driven home for me when I heard a psychologist named Dr Clyde Narramore talk about observing a Primary One class from the back of the room.
The teacher wanted to get across the relative meaning of the words large versus small. So, she selected two children and invited them to come to the front of the room.
Relunctant, they came and stook awkardly besides the teacher who then put her hand on the girl’s head and said,”Large. Sharon is large.”Sharon was indeed, the tallest girl in her class and undoubtly, very sensitive about it.
Then the teacher said, “Small. David is small.”Poor little David, tiny and fragile, was obviously humiliated. The last thing on earth anybody wants is to be the smallest and most powerless child in his class.
The teacher seemed oblivious to the pain that she has caused to David and Sahron. The first obligation is parents and teachers of vulnerable children is, by all means, to do no harm.
