Is your child dreading school? It might not be the subjects, but the environment. Child psychologist ThankGod Ocheho argues that a joyful classroom is essential for effective learning, and painful experiences can actually hinder a child’s growth. This article breaks down the key takeaways from a recent discussion on Arise News about how to create a positive and effective learning environment.
Key Points At a Glance:
- Joyful Learning: Classrooms should be places of excitement, not fear.
- Impact of Pain: Painful environments can severely impede a child’s learning and progress.
- Teacher Training: Many teachers lack training on trauma and child psychology.
- Discipline vs. Abuse: Understanding the crucial difference is key to child safety.
- Due Diligence: Parents need to ensure schools are registered and adhere to child protection standards.
The Problem: Pain in the Classroom
Think about it – if your workplace was always associated with pain, would you be motivated to go? Child psychologist, ThankGod Ocheho, highlights that many children associate school with pain, making them avoid it. This pain could stem from different things like overly strict teachers, insensitive behavior or even outright abuse. When a classroom becomes a source of fear, learning is directly affected.
Why Joy Matters for Effective Learning
Ocheho stresses that the classroom should be a hub of joy and excitement. This is not just about making school fun; it’s about creating a space where children feel safe and motivated to learn. When learning is associated with positivity, kids are more likely to engage and thrive. It’s like planting a seed; if the soil is fertile and nourished, it will grow better.
Teacher Training: A Critical Need
Many schools focus on subject expertise when hiring teachers, but this isn’t enough. What about the psychological impact of a teacher? Ocheho points out that many educators lack training in understanding trauma and the difference between discipline and abuse. A teacher’s psychological well-being is also important! A happy teacher can create a happy classroom, it’s a domino effect.
Discipline vs. Abuse: Knowing the Line
The age-old saying ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ is still relevant today but needs to be understood carefully. While discipline is necessary, it must not cross into abuse. Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), emphasizes that there’s a fine line between discipline and abuse. According to Section 201 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, it’s permissible to correct a child, but never to cause them harm. Corrective actions should always be age-appropriate and should focus on making the child understand why the correction is needed.
Gentle Parenting in Context
Gentle parenting has become a popular approach, but Ocheho also advises caution when adopting such methods. Simply copying a parenting style from another culture may not work. Discipline should be about long-term behavioral change, not just allowing a child to do whatever they please. The foundation of discipline should be love, setting rules with consequences that don’t harm the child.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents play a crucial role in a child’s educational safety. They need to do their due diligence when choosing schools. Vivour-Adeniyi noted that a majority of schools where child protection issues arise are unregistered. Registering a school is very important because it ensures that the school is subject to state training programs and educational resources. Parents must ensure that their child’s school is properly registered to protect them from potential harm.
The Takeaway
A child’s experience in the classroom can impact their life. By prioritizing joy over pain, focusing on the importance of teacher training, and understanding the difference between discipline and abuse, we can create positive learning environments where every child can reach their full potential.
About The Author
