School Bullying
Some interesting observations that might seem self-evident, about the prevalence of bullying in the schoolyard. Not that it doesn't happen in the classroom. And there's the rub. The point is that many adults in the teaching profession behave toward their students in a somewhat less than professional manner.
That is, if the profession of teaching itself insists that the student-teacher relationship be a two-way effort in mutual respect.
Children often mention that they feel they have been burdened with a teacher who treats them in a cavalier manner. It's often enough heard that when a student approaches a teacher to ask for additional help in understanding a mathematical theory, or a home assignment, they are given short shrift. Instructions additional to what was conveyed in the class room will not be forthcoming.
A response from the instructor such as "use your head", may help the instructor feel good about him/herself, but it doesn't do much good to the student making enquiries and is certain to result in plummeting self-esteem. A serious question deserves a seriously-considered response. The role of the teacher in the classroom is to inspire the student to learn.
When students ask for clarification of an assignment in the classroom itself, and they're put off by the nonchalant, disinterested response of the teacher giving the assignment, they're not likely, either those posing the question, or those listening in, to repeat the scene. All the more so, if the teacher feels a sarcastic quip about the student not paying attention is stated.
Guaranteed to elicit a chorus of nervous giggles from the rest of the class. This lack of respect and serious courtesy communicates to the entire class and sets a standard for general abuse.
One person involved in studying the phenomenon of bullying in the classroom, psychologist/researcher Dr. Tracey Vaillancourt, made the observation that she is capable of instantly discerning whether a particular school will have a bullying problem simply by walking into that school and observing the attitude of the school secretary; friendly results in an awareness that this is a prevailing school culture.
A hostile, rude, dismissive school secretary, in Dr. Vaillancourt's considered opinion is a symbol of the entire school's social-cultural environment. "If schools are to be successful in tackling bullying, they have to model appropriate behaviour on the part of adults", explained Dr. Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in children's medical health and violence prevention at the University of Ottawa.
"And there are many schools where teachers are not respectful of each other, and are not respectful of students. If the collective is morally disengaged, kids get bullied."
That is, if the profession of teaching itself insists that the student-teacher relationship be a two-way effort in mutual respect.
Children often mention that they feel they have been burdened with a teacher who treats them in a cavalier manner. It's often enough heard that when a student approaches a teacher to ask for additional help in understanding a mathematical theory, or a home assignment, they are given short shrift. Instructions additional to what was conveyed in the class room will not be forthcoming.
A response from the instructor such as "use your head", may help the instructor feel good about him/herself, but it doesn't do much good to the student making enquiries and is certain to result in plummeting self-esteem. A serious question deserves a seriously-considered response. The role of the teacher in the classroom is to inspire the student to learn.
When students ask for clarification of an assignment in the classroom itself, and they're put off by the nonchalant, disinterested response of the teacher giving the assignment, they're not likely, either those posing the question, or those listening in, to repeat the scene. All the more so, if the teacher feels a sarcastic quip about the student not paying attention is stated.
Guaranteed to elicit a chorus of nervous giggles from the rest of the class. This lack of respect and serious courtesy communicates to the entire class and sets a standard for general abuse.
One person involved in studying the phenomenon of bullying in the classroom, psychologist/researcher Dr. Tracey Vaillancourt, made the observation that she is capable of instantly discerning whether a particular school will have a bullying problem simply by walking into that school and observing the attitude of the school secretary; friendly results in an awareness that this is a prevailing school culture.
A hostile, rude, dismissive school secretary, in Dr. Vaillancourt's considered opinion is a symbol of the entire school's social-cultural environment. "If schools are to be successful in tackling bullying, they have to model appropriate behaviour on the part of adults", explained Dr. Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in children's medical health and violence prevention at the University of Ottawa.
"And there are many schools where teachers are not respectful of each other, and are not respectful of students. If the collective is morally disengaged, kids get bullied."
Labels: Education, Human Relations, Social-Cultural Deviations
posted by Pieface @ 6:16 PM
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