The education system admittedly has many flaws, but it has also majorly contributed to the prosperity of society as we know it. Without education, we might never have seen development the way we see it today.
Advancements in technology, medicine, and the humanities wouldn’t have been possible without it. Sure, there’s a negative side to it too. Education indirectly gave rise to corruption, consumerism, and several other dysfunctions in society.
This article will look at the positivity that education can impart to students. For far too long, students have been marginalized and felt left out because of mainstream educative practices. The lack of these opportunities leads to self-esteem issues, delinquency, and many other mental health illnesses.
If you are a teacher/ educator reading this, consider some of the points mentioned below to help foster positivity in tomorrow’s students.
The time for new educative leadership is now. Implement these five practices to influence positivity in students.
Act as a leader, not an enforcer
A significant problem with the education system is that teachers abuse their power and dominate the students. This is especially true for male teachers and their female students. Teaching through autocratic means isn’t only outdated; it is restrictive.
Learning through fear of punishment is no way to learn. A better way would be to encourage children to learn rather than focus on task completion. Part of the problem is that many teachers don’t have formal educations themselves. A college degree can completely change a teacher’s outlook on education and help students achieve their true potential.
Moreover, with the help of remote education, specialized degrees like an online masters in educational leadership can help teachers become the best versions of themselves.
Teaching is no longer a “teach and test” practice where students cram information and forget about it when the exams are over. Modern holistic education encourages students to learn based on their interests and takes away a greater understanding.
Encourage diversity in education
Classes have traditionally been somewhat ethnocentric to white middle-class individuals. Racial representation has been historically low, and as we mentioned earlier, females were often marginalized. Moreover, religious minorities suffered the ill effects of harassment and discrimination, so the classroom became less of a learning environment and more of a breeding ground for bullying.
Educators have indeed made significant developments to limit bullying. Bullies are often slapped with corrective action and often result in expulsion. However, diversity remains somewhat of an issue, and the education industry needs to encourage a diverse range of students.
They also need to make arrangements for special needs students who need improvised learning plans to help them eventually fall in line with the curriculum. Perhaps expecting individual schools to change the system is unrealistic. The public should start increasing funding, training teachers, and encouraging diversity.
Talk about mental health
Teachers are the first to notice mental health issues in students. Sometimes even before the parents. Students’ behavior in class, their work through writing, and interaction with fellow students is often a giveaway that they have something going on.
A great way to increase positivity through education is if the teacher takes the first step and lends a helping hand. If the situation is complex and requires a technical aspect, call in the school counselor. They can offer to talk to the students if they ever feel lonely.
Teachers and school administrators need to be educated on handling mental health issues in the student body. Workshops and training seminars should encourage teachers to practice improvised mental health practices to help students through dark times.
Career counseling
A fair number of students have no idea what they want to do in the future. High-school seniors should be given career counseling to push them in the right direction and help them achieve great things. Most students don’t know what they want to do in their future; there is no one to guide them, which leads to an overall sense of diminished self-esteem and wastes talent.
A career counselor can help find their direction, narrow down their career choices, and help them find the perfect college for themselves. Moreover, finding a job and choosing a career can be challenging for students who want to pursue college.
A trained counselor can help students find their way and achieve amazing things. With positive regard, comprehension, and an understanding of the job market, students can graduate with a sense of direction which they might not have had before.
Career counselors aren’t just for students; many adults visit them as well. It’s not uncommon to hear of people changing their path after spending decades building their careers. Working individuals who aren’t happy with their jobs and careers could use advice on what to do.
Promote extra-curricular activities
Teachers and school staff should look out for student’s passions. If a student is showing extraordinary musical prowess, encourage it and nurture their talent. Students appreciate it when their institution facilitates and encourages their diversity.
As important as academics may be, it’s also essential to create well-rounded and holistically capable individuals. In general, schools are doing reasonably well on this front. The majority of schools encourage sports and other extra-curricular activities.
However, it wouldn’t hurt to crank it up a notch and give more students a chance to showcase their abilities. Some students just aren’t cut out for school. It would be tragic to take students’ dreams away and force them to focus on academics solely.
Regret is a compelling emotion that can turn into horrid mental health illnesses. For the student’s sake, please encourage their interests and talents and do whatever you can for them. The next big thing could be sitting right there in your class. It’s up to you to foster their talents.
Conclusion
As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that we foster the utmost positivity in the students. The future of a society rests in their hands, and educators have the responsibility to nurture their talents. Mentioned here are some of the best ways to influence positivity in the students.
From talking about mental health to extra-curricular and everything in between, we have gone over several factors that need to be taken seriously.
Would you mind encouraging your students and ensuring that you do everything in your power to make them the best versions of themselves? Even the difficult ones, talk to them, understand them, and give them a chance to right their wrongs. Everyone deserves a second chance, especially at this age.