Raw and Real: "The Old School Hell" - My Struggles as an Elementary School Teacher
Struggling Professionally in a New Role at an Elementary School - Struggling to Succeed as a Commercial Student in Primary School (Star-rated)
By Flick* ≈ 6 Min
Hey, this text was first published in June 2024. All the names have been altered, even mine. Yep, even Flick's real name ain't this!
At the bell, I'm ready to discuss what the young'uns oughta bring for tomorrow's art hour, but Paul comes barreling in, hollering loud. I ask for some peace and calm, but Paul just keeps on talkin', stirrin' up the whole damn class. After three more attempts, I can't take it anymore. Lose my cool, yell out loud, "Listen up, whether you like it or not, we'll be reciting school rules if you can't keep your nasty mouth shut!" And the little brats quiet the hell down.
Now, I ain't gonna lie, my method ain't exactly modern, and it shows weakness. But it works. For now, that is, as consequences are a-comin'. But I'll get to that in a sec.
- Teacher Shortage
- Wannabe Professors
- Educators
- Elementary School
Hell on Earth - But Why?
Fact is, my approach ain't exactly reasonable, and it screams desperation. But it keeps the little rascals in line. Temporarily, at least, 'cause trouble's a-brewin'. But let's talk about that later.
The Fallout of Old-school Tactics
1. Emotional Turmoil
- Anxiety and Stress: Strict discipline in the classroom can give the kids the heebie-jeebies, cause unnecessary stress, and make them all tense.
- Fear vs. Trust: Instead of cultivating trust, tough love can foster fear, making young 'uns afraid to speak up, engage, or ask questions.
2. Academic Impact
- Motivation: Rigid environments can squash their own motivation. Instead of focusing on learning, pupils might be more concerned with avoiding punishment.
- Creativity and Innovation: Limits set by harsh rules can stifle creativity, stopping kids from exploring new ideas or taking wild risks.
3. Social Development
- Social Skills: Strict discipline can hinder the growth of social skills. Kids may not learn to handle conflicts or manage emotions effectively, making them emotionally stunted.
- Peer Relationships: Overarching discipline can lead to isolation or the creation of cliques, causing kids to feel judged or monitored by their peers.
4. Behavioral Outcomes
- Compliance vs. Engagement: Instead of genuine engagement, kids may only comply out of fear. This can lead to a lack of personal responsibility.
- Rebellion: A strict regime might even backfire, sparking rebellion, as kids may seek avenues to assert their independence.
5. Long-term Effects
- Resilience and Adaptability: Overly strict environments can limit opportunities for students to grow resilient and adaptable, essential skills for life.
- Mental Health: Chronic stress and anxiety from strict discipline can have long-lasting effects on mental health, potentially causing depression or burnout.
In conclusion, while tough discipline can ensure short-term obedience, it can have detrimental effects on children's emotional, academic, and social development. A balanced approach that fosters respect, trust, and open communication is crucial for creating a nurturing learning environment.
- The community policy should include a clear guideline for vocational training programs in education-and-self-development and career-development sections, as strict discipline in schools can have detrimental effects on children's emotional, academic, and social development, causing emotional turmoil, reducing motivation, stifling creativity, hindering social skill growth, leading to compliance rather than engagement, sparking rebellion, and potentially causing long-lasting effects on mental health.
- To combat the long-term effects of old-school tactics in schools, educators might consider implementing vocational training programs within the elementary school curriculum to provide students with practical skills, boost self-confidence, and foster independence, ultimately contributing to their personal and professional development.
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