Teaching is an extremely rewarding profession, but stressful as well,
emotionally
and physically. A classroom is definitely a high-pressured environment,
what with naughty, adamant students talking loudly, leaving their seats
and refusing to obey. Constant class disruptions and tantrums coupled
with a stubborn lack of motivation to learn can drive the most composed
of teachers up the wall.
It gets difficult for
teachers to keep their cool amidst the incessant stress, worries and
frustration. Some yell, others punish – but there is no end to the
students’ behavioural problems. In fact, emotional responses only
further aggravate the situation as students defiantly challenge the
imposed authority. Teachers may even lose control leading to further
deterioration of the classroom ambience.
Tough as it
may sound, educators have a moral responsibility to control their temper
when interacting with students. Angry outbursts seem normal, but can
inflict irreparable damage on the young minds and souls. Unbridled rage
can intimidate and even terrify the students, scarring them for life.
Ms. Amritha V, Faculty in Soft Skills, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
University, Kerala explains, “Many students have nightmares of the
bitter experiences with a teacher. Many times, it is with regard to the
punishment or admonition that students got for no fault of theirs. This
haunts the students’ minds.” Even Prof. Raja Sreenivasan, Head Corporate
Relations Centre, Park Global School of Business Excellence, Chennai
warns, “If a teacher loses temper and takes punitive action, the whole
life of the student will be spoiled.” On the other hand, mental
fortitude can help nurture and grow balanced students.
Anger
can sway the good judgment of teachers too. As Prof. AKN Prasad, Head -
Executive Education, Welingkar Institute of Management points out,
“When you lose your temper, you will lose focus, clarity of thought and
your ability to deliver a planned lecture. In order to ensure your
delivery is at its best, it is imperative you maintain your cool under
the most adverse conditions.”
Moreover, teachers
serve as role models to young, developing minds and are ethically bound
to set a good example - no matter what the provocation. If teachers give
in to anger and lash out at students, not only will they lose trust and
credibility but will never be able to help students develop
self-control. As Prof. Prasad continues, “Students will lose their faith
in you and will not trust you to manage tough situations. Once you lose
your trust with students, anything you do or say will have no effect.”
Even Ms. Amritha cautions, “Students knowingly or unknowingly inherit
the qualities from their teacher. Students, if hurt, would quit studying
the subject taught by the teacher with whom they have issues.”
Yet,
the simmering psychological travails can disillusion the most dedicated
of teachers, leading to burnout. Research indicates that the
psychological labour involved in emotional regulation can sometimes lead
to burnout, especially for people in service professions.
Keeping emotions in check
As a teacher, you need to learn to regulate your own
emotions as well as those of your students. Operating with restraint is
not easy, but will definitely help you to be more effective in class.
Prof. A. Gandhi, Director and Head -Training, Placement and Corporate
Relations, Saveetha Management School opines, “For teachers, besides
high IQ, there has to be significantly high degree of EQ to maintain the
rhythm and fulfil the actual objective of teaching. A successful
teacher has to know how to control inner feelings”
Here are a few tips for the same:
Patience
is the biggest virtue for a teacher. When faced with a stressful
situation, take a deep breath and count till ten. Ensure that your face
is composed and does not reflect the anger inside. You can use humour to
defuse tense situations or try keeping the problematic students apart
as much as possible. If needed, step out of the class for a few minutes
to calm the rattled nerves. If you do lose your cool, apologise once you
have settled down.
Well-managed and balanced
classrooms with a positive atmosphere always create less stress. Set
clear, logical expectations for students and enforce them with a calm
head. Discuss problems before they escalate and channel the energy of
students to solving them in a positive way. As Ms. Amritha advises, “In
case students are not taking the class seriously, have a dialogue with
them. Rather than being angry with them, try to find the root cause for
the issues and resolve them from the starting point. In case some
student misbehaves or creates trouble, have a one to one talk with that
particular student.” Prof. Sreenivasan counsels, “Have a sense of
empathy when some student is in an aggressive mood. Instead of
responding to his aggressive postures, try to understand why he is
behaving like that.”
It is imperative that you don’t
take the misbehaviour and lack of motivation personally. Prof.
Sreenivasan advises, “Do not take any provoking behaviour of the student
personally and seriously. Study the psychology of students to
understand their problems. Study and practice spiritual teachings - this
will bring you emotional balance and control naturally without any
efforts.” Remember that students usually revolt against figures of
authority and misbehave no matter what; you are not at fault or to be
blamed. Prof. Prasad declares, “Teachers need to understand that
students have a high energy quotient and will be waiting to vent out
their frustration for any reason on a teacher.” Ms. Amritha also
highlights, “The golden rule for a teacher goes like this, ‘Let the
tantrums thrown by students pass through you, don’t hold them within
your heart, after all it is the duty of the teacher, to guide the
students from the darkness of ignorance to the radiance of knowledge’.”
When
you need an outlet, vent with other teachers, friends or family.
Exercise, yoga or meditation coupled with relaxed personal time will
also help keep the stress and frustration at bay. Prof. Gandhi advises,
“Teachers should spend time to do some exercise to lead our thoughts and
mind towards a state of equilibrium.”
Above all,
enjoy your work and take pride in making positive contributions to the
young lives. That is all you need to remain cool and thrive!
Finally,
as Ms Amritha exhorts, “Teaching is more than a job. Teaching
profession is an opportunity to contribute to the upbringing of a
responsible and disciplined society. This demands patience. Teachers
have the immense responsibility of moulding a child’s character!”
Payal Chanania
faqs@cnkonline.com
September 5, 2012, The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-opportunities/article3860318.ece
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