As educators, we interact with students on a daily basis. These students are unique individuals who not only differ in personality, but come from different backgrounds and cultures too. This means that you are almost guaranteed to teach some students who are more difficult in their behaviour, who might need some extra attention and guidance so that they are steered on the correct path.
Students who are mentored correctly will reach maturity earlier and will be more equipped for the adult world.This is why students need to be counselled at school over and above the academic lessons. Having at least an hour’s counselling session with a group of students each week has the potential to make positive impacts on the generation at hand.
Important things teachers can do to provide a counsel-friendly environment:
Implement a psychological approach.
- Ask students directly if there is something that bothers them
- Make students feelcomfortable and safe during interviews
- Demonstrate the attitude of empathy
- Be open minded to responses
- Learn and seek information from his or her friends
- Open up communication with parents
Scientific or religious approach.
- If the child is religious, use the characteristics of his or her religion to manage the counselling approach.
In many cases, students are disturbed because they simply do not know what their needs are, or what is they want from life. They might also come from harsh home environments, where parents to not take on the responsibility of caring for their children as they should. In these cases, it is up to educators to play a role in ensuring that these kids get the counselling they need.
Furthermore, teachers have the opportunity to incorporate life-lessons and counsel into their lesson planning. No matter what the topic is, you can always adapt a lesson so that students learn the knowledge at hand as well as certain life skills.
If you are a teacher, or a parent, make sure your children get the counselling they need this year, a listening ear goes a long way.
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@abdys