Challenging Perceptions and Changing Attitudes

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind.”

James Truslow Adams

Something has been bothering me for some time. It was only late this afternoon, during a conversation with two colleagues that what had been festering away in my head finally came out in the open.

A range of emotions appeared – frustration, anger, excitement and most of all passion.

All teachers can relate to the issue of disaffected pupils. The same names who keep cropping up for the same reasons. There have been a few off late and it is increasingly obvious that the ‘normal’ system of sanctions for these individuals is not working and never will. Quite frankly I get so frustrated with the fact that nothing changes. It is all too easy to throw up our hands and pass the buck. All to easy to write detention slip after detention slip and then roll our eyes when there is non-attendance. But where does it stop? When does the cycle get broken? Making the decision to make changes is harder, yes. However, changes do need to be made.

I firmly believe that a teacher is a facilitator of learning. That each of us has a responsibility to not only teach skills in our subject areas, but also life skills. Without the ability to communicate, socially interact or work as part of a team or community, what chance do these pupils have of being successful individuals in life? No amount of knowledge in a specialised area can make up for that. As James Truslow Adams said:

“There are obviously two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.”

Good and effective learning takes place when good ethos is set, both in the classroom and in the school as a whole. I find that many ‘disaffected’ pupils have low self-esteem, social skills and a lack of confidence.

I’ve thought about this a lot and believe that a programme needs set up for these pupils One that encourages the development of social skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. One that involves pupils to challenge their attitudes and behaviours. This, I believe, should not centre around teaching subjects or education in the traditional sense. Nor should the time be used to ‘catch up’ on work. In theory, pupils would participate in activities after the school day. Yes, similarly to the after school detention, but with one main difference. The activities should be engaging, and dare I say, fun. There are some, I know, that would see this as no fit punishment for the ‘crimes’. However, if attitudes of these pupils have to be changed, so do those of some teachers. Teaching is not like it was even when I started almost 15 years ago and certainly not like it was when I was in school. External influences, I feel, are much more dominant and attitudes have changed.

The questions asked of me were obvious and relevant. What would they do? How would it be financed? Why tie down a set project I feel. First of all, just take the group and work something around their needs. Ask them about their interests for a start. I don’t honestly know, but the whole point is it’s about building relationships and if children learn by example, then we are duty bound to set that example without judgement and personal bias. Unconditional positive regard is a wonderful thing and in the case of many of these pupils, is something that is needed. In terms of finance, I really believe that activities could be undertaken that use existing equipment or resources and if any investment was required, it would be worth it.

Of course, a programme like this would rely heavily on the good will of teachers as was firmly pointed out to me. I’m not so naïve to think otherwise. However, I know there are teachers out there who would be willing to take on such a role. Would it work? I don’t know. Surely it’s worth trying and if even the life and attitude of one of these pupils were affected positively, then nothing would have been in vain.

I really do feel passionate about this. More so than for anything in education for a long while. That has suprised me a little and I thank very much my two colleagues for stimulating my brain that bit more. There isin’t the time to discuss things like this enough, which is a fact in itself that needs considering.

Worthy of more thought and investigation…you betcha. So watch this space!

~ by zoewalker on October 8, 2008.