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Letter: A student’s struggle should invite teacher’s empathy, not fun

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3 years ago

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Of course, no one likes a boring class. We all want a lesson that’s lively and have some touch of amusement to it. And that’s what some students remember their teachers for – the teacher’s ability to make them laugh or at least smile through a lesson. But how is it like when the teachers’ fun is at the expense of a student’s struggle, weakness, challenges, pain or tears?

I’ve had my taste in JSS 2, and till date I describe that incident as the worst moment in my school life. I think I was lucky that it happened in 2004, at least there wasn’t social media, and camera phones were not ubiquitous for the teacher to record and share on social media to escalate beyond the classroom, the fun she and the other pupils had that day. Permit me to keep the story, please, but just know that it was so embarrassing that I cried throughout class, and never paid attention in the subsequent lessons that day. I got home and shared more tears.

When I started teaching in 2013, there are some principles I clearly made to live by. One of them, inspired by my JHS 2 experience, was NOT TO MAKE FUN AT THE PAIN, STRUGGLE, and TEARS of LEARNERS. Throughout my seven years of teaching, I’ve lived by that and it became part of what I teach my students as well. My students know I’m much particular about that – they not making fun about the challenges of their colleagues.

It’s so disheartening knowing some teachers find delight in recording their learners who have some difficulties with learning, and go extra mile by sharing such unprofessional conduct on social media to create amusement. It’s becoming too of many.

A child’s struggle in school shouldn’t invite fun-making, but rather empathy from the teacher and other students. By empathy, we demonstrate to our students that we understand their situations- be it difficulty with reading, pronunciation, explaining a concept or any other personal difficulty they may have. That builds connection and assures the child he/she is not alone, but has the teacher’s support to address that challenge. When empathy is at play in teaching, teachers find what could be driving the child’s difficulty and find strategies that could help. The moment a teacher takes a child’s challenge lightly and create fun out of it, the opportunity to help that child may be missed.

It’s not enough for the teacher alone to treat children’s difficulties with empathy. For a positive classroom culture, it should be a value that all the students also have. That’s how we create classroom as a COMMUNITY, where every child is assured that he/she has a teacher and colleagues who can relate, or can understand their difficulties, pains, tears and fear, and are ready to give their support. That’s an opportunity for learners to thrive.

A single bad joke about a child, a single act of fun-making (either subtly or openly) against a child (to the extent of filming for light-hearted pleasure) can negatively affect that child for a lifetime.

The continuous filming of students and sharing on social media to create fun should be of concern to GES. The National Teacher Policy being developed is an opportunity for GES to address this worrying trend in the profession.

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Divine Kpe
(Educationist & Africa Education Watch Fellow)

*A student’s struggle should invite teacher’s empathy, not fun.*

Of course, no one likes a boring class. We all want a lesson that’s lively and have some touch of amusement to it. And that’s what some students remember their teachers for – the teacher’s ability to make them laugh or at least smile through a lesson. But how is it like when the teachers’ fun is at the expense of a student’s struggle, weakness, challenges, pain or tears?

I’ve had my taste in JSS 2, and till date I describe that incident as the worst moment in my school life. I think I was lucky that it happened in 2004, at least there wasn’t social media, and camera phones were not ubiquitous for the teacher to record and share on social media to escalate beyond the classroom, the fun she and the other pupils had that day. Permit me to keep the story, please, but just know that it was so embarrassing that I cried throughout class, and never paid attention in the subsequent lessons that day. I got home and shared more tears.

When I started teaching in 2013, there are some principles I clearly made to live by. One of them, inspired by my JHS 2 experience, was NOT TO MAKE FUN AT THE PAIN, STRUGGLE, and TEARS of LEARNERS. Throughout my seven years of teaching, I’ve lived by that and it became part of what I teach my students as well. My students know I’m much particular about that – they not making fun about the challenges of their colleagues.

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It’s so disheartening knowing some teachers find delight in recording their learners who have some difficulties with learning, and go extra mile by sharing such unprofessional conduct on social media to create amusement. It’s becoming too of many.

A child’s struggle in school shouldn’t invite fun-making, but rather empathy from the teacher and other students. By empathy, we demonstrate to our students that we understand their situations- be it difficulty with reading, pronunciation, explaining a concept or any other personal difficulty they may have. That builds connection and assures the child he/she is not alone, but has the teacher’s support to address that challenge. When empathy is at play in teaching, teachers find what could be driving the child’s difficulty and find strategies that could help. The moment a teacher takes a child’s challenge lightly and create fun out of it, the opportunity to help that child may be missed.

It’s not enough for the teacher alone to treat children’s difficulties with empathy. For a positive classroom culture, it should be a value that all the students also have. That’s how we create classroom as a COMMUNITY, where every child is assured that he/she has a teacher and colleagues who can relate, or can understand their difficulties, pains, tears and fear, and are ready to give their support. That’s an opportunity for learners to thrive.

A single bad joke about a child, a single act of fun-making (either subtly or openly) against a child (to the extent of filming for light-hearted pleasure) can negatively affect that child for a lifetime.

The continuous filming of students and sharing on social media to create fun should be of concern to GES. The National Teacher Policy being developed is an opportunity for GES to address this worrying trend in the profession.

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Divine Kpe
(Educationist & Africa Education Watch Fellow)

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People & Lifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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9 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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9 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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9 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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People & Lifestyle

Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

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9 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

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11 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented. 

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

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DJ Khaled Announces Second Annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic On June 12 & 13 in Miami Beach !

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12 hours ago

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April 26, 2024

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GRAMMY® Award-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled proudly announces the return of his annual WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC for the second year in a row.

For 2024, the mega-popular charity event expands to two days on Wednesday June 12 and Thursday June 13 in Miami, FL. Given the demand by countless superstar artists, A-list athletes, and entertainers to participate, he needed to stretch the proceedings over two days!

Once again, the event will be sponsored by Jordan Brand, and all proceeds support the We The Best Foundationand its numerous efforts to bolster education. Stay tuned for the multitude of exciting confirmed guests, and more.

Khaled created a cultural groundswell and personally appeared on ESPN’s SPORTSCENTER to break the news of the second installment of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC today. Watch HERE.

Regarding the return of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC, he commented, “Last year, the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC brought out so many friends and family to make a difference, play some great golf, and have an incredible day for a great cause. This year, we’re going even bigger, and we thank everyone for their continued support. TEE UP AND BLESS UP!”

Last year, the inaugural WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC hosted Serena Williams, pro golfers Michael Block and Bubba Watson, Odell Beckham, JR., Shannon Sharpe, Victor Cruz, Jalen Rose, Terrell Owens, Marcus Jordan, Jeezy, Quavo, The-Dream, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Fat Joe, Cedric The Entertainer, Joey Fatone, and more. The foundation raised over $500,000 which benefited the enrichment of children and youth through educational programming, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.

More guests and partners for 2024 will be unveiled soon.

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