Teaching in tough situations

Sometimes even the best teachers who have received master's in education still have some difficult days in the classroom. There is an array of factors that can disrupt the normal flow of instruction, whether it be an outburst from a troubled student or an controversial subject that needs to be explained or addressed. Teachers can avoid classroom disruption by preparing themselves with information on how to handle challenging subjects that may arise.

How to introduce difficult subjects in the classroom

Teachers have the important role of sometimes providing the first introduction to several difficult subjects that need to be taught to students. Fortunately, some educators and professionals have done research on what the best methods of approach are for certain complicated material that needs to be addressed to students.

How to form lesson plans on tough issues for middle school: This study offers guidance to middle school instructors regarding what approach is ideal for speaking with middle school-aged children about certain difficult topics.

How to neutrally discuss politics with students: This website illustrates the way instructors can talk about political issues, especially among passionate high school students.

How to introduce overall identity and cultural issues: Students in Ireland sometimes have difficult relations with those from North Ireland, and this study shows how teachers handled the students' contrasting customs and controversial opinions. American educators may use this as an example of how to deal with similar conflicts in their classrooms.

How to handle violence and war topics: This resource is useful for teachers who wish to address current or past violent conflicts with their students tactfully and neutrally.

How to address nuclear power in the classroom: KNOW NUKES, a program that aids high school teachers in demonstrating methods of discussion about nuclear power, is discussed in this study.

Educating traumatized children

Students who have experienced violence, war, or other acts of harm can be susceptible to emotional confusion or withdrawal in the classroom. Some children who have seen these tragic things firsthand, or in the media, may not understand what they have witnessed or experienced. Teachers who demonstrate compassion and understanding towards this special group of students will have the best results by maintaining a calm and empathetic environment while helping students cope and grow.

Speaking with young children about terrorism: When children are in elementary school, they may have a more difficult time understanding acts of terror than other students, so this study shows teachers how to best handle younger pupils and their questions about this troublesome subject.

Helping and instructing traumatized students: Students who have experiences traumatic situations sometimes require special care. This list of resources aids teachers in understanding this type of student and how to help them in school.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children: This website illustrates the symptoms in PTSD among children so that teachers may better understand what these students are experiencing.

How to handle children who are LGBT or who come from LGBT homes

Educators need to understand how to best address topics of sexuality in the classroom, because these issues can be very sensitive for students who may be handling their own identities or who come from homes that are in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Speaking to students about unique family environments: Students who come from LGBT families or otherwise non-traditional backgrounds sometimes need special instruction. This study tells teachers how to speak of these topics with their classrooms.

Addressing sexuality topics with young students: This study found ways of neutrally and sensitively speaking to young pupils about LGBT issues in a classroom setting.

Teaching students about the LGBT community: This resource addresses the issue of discussing gay and lesbian subjects to students whose first language is not English.

Teaching homeless children

Some children have grown up in unstable environments, which may include being homeless. These pupils may be going through an array of difficult situations, including transitioning into foster care, living between two parents' houses, living in a shelter, or simply fending for themselves in an unsafe environment. Teachers who have had training in educational leadership or who have researched ways to handle this special group of children will be best equipped to deal with classrooms that have homeless students.

How to instruct children who are homeless: This lesson plan helps teachers who may have homeless children in their class.

Understanding homelessness for young people: This resource may help teachers understand the issues that may occur with homeless students.

Methods of instruction for homeless students: These specific methods offered by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development on their website can aid teachers in formulating lessons plans around homelessness issues.

Educating children with special needs

In order to maintain a happy and healthy classroom that includes students with disabilities, educators should be ready for all types of special needs that may be present among their pupils.

Understanding student disabilities: The National Center on Quality and Learning offers advice and guidance to educators who may have pupils with disabilities or students who have questions about others with special needs.

A history of individuals with disabilities in America: This digital booklets illustrates the evolution of disabled people in the U.S. and includes a list of resources teachers may use to instruct their students about this subject.

How to address difficult subjects with disabled children: If educators teach disabled students, they must approach sensitive and difficult subjects in a unique way. This resource helps teachers find ways to speak with their students who have special needs about tough situations. 

POSTED BY: admin - September 1st, 2011 at 11:43am ( 0 )