31 January 2010

Are you afraid?

People say that in this world, no job is easy. Each occupation has its own risk. Take for example, a police officer has the risk of being gun down by a convict. Meanwhile, a doctor, has the risk of being infected with a transmittable disease from his patients. And as a teacher myself, I face the risk of being hated and harmed physically by my own students for telling them their wrong doings.

Some young learners I know in my school are quite rebellious and aggressive. However, these do not stop me from loving my job. A job like this add a bit of spices into my life. When I signed up for this job, I have mentally and emotionally prepared myself for any possibilities and risks. Thank goodness that 9 years of teaching in private institutions taught me many things about students' psychology.

Last week, a few students were called in to teachers' room for an investigation by our disciplinary teacher. They were caught smoking, gambling and skipping classes. They admitted their wrong doings and disciplinary actions will be taken on them soon. Of course, such wrong doings are happening in almost all schools and the punishment is obvious, suspended from attending school.

Observing them, I was asking myself "How can I help to make my school a better place to study?" I sincerely believe that it is not the job of the disciplinary teacher alone. It will be nice if all teachers can participate actively in disciplining students. On the contrary, it is regretful to see that some teachers I know, tend to ignore students who create troubles in their classrooms. Are they concerned of being threatened by them? When dealing with these kind of students, teachers do not have to resort to scolding them, although most of the time, it works. A good slow talk can be helpful and worth trying.

Last few weeks, I had a trouble maker in my class. Usually, I will scold naughty students on the spot but then, I was thinking, "why not try a different approach?" So, I decided to call him out of the classroom and talked to him. I gave him a piece of advice for about five minutes. To my surprise, he stop being a trouble maker in my class for the next few days. And I am glad the misery is over.

Oh well...life can be wonderful right?

p/s : Do not try this at your own school without proper planning. All teaching styles and techniques may not apply to other students. Each case is unique and wisdom applies.

11 Messages:

lina said...

Students are fortunate if there are teachers willing to help and understand them.

betchai said...

het, we're both teachers :) so glad to know, we can exchange notes. like you, i enjoy teaching a lot too :) i guess i enjoy learning with students.

manglish said...

tat is a wonderful approach, if u had scolded him in front, i think it will only make things worse....but of course i think different "troublemakers" need different approaches, i am sure you will like it fun and challenging..all the best

Unknown said...

Be a teacher of LOVE. most children now are really lack of that.

Dont set too many rules on them, just move them inside out, not outside in, seriously i really think love can conquer all.

No child wants to be bad

Pete said...

You are a good teacher!

Faizal n Fashitah said...

Bukannya senang nak mengajar. That's why aku sikpat nak jadi cikgu hehe. Anyway, kids nowadays bukannya kedak kita dolok marek. That's why kids nowadays perlukan different approach. Macam what you did to your student. Anyway, all the best bro XD

sarawakgal said...

U r good !!!!

Prince Of Metroxylon said...

"Good morning teacher".. I miss my school days... hihi

RoseBelle said...

Not sure if you heard about the school shootings that happened last year in the U.S. One most high profile one was the Columbine high school shooting. In all the cases, it was because the teacher or student(s) had done something that angered the shooter. Being a teacher does have it's risks and reward. You identified the risks and I'm glad you are thinking of better and compassion ways to discipline the students rather than the usual "scold and discipline" technique.

Anonymous said...

Don't let fear prevent you from moving forward.

cyrildason said...

I find that talking to students regarding problems they create is more effective nowadays, but it is only good for the Upper Form.

For the lower form, I make it a point to let them fear me, and I do scold them becuase they are still not matured enough to differentiate some situations.