People & Lifestyle
Letter: 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.
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.
Sad but cute. I’m glad the teacher had so much time for her, and didn’t beat her up for struggling to get it right. In good time she will get it. pic.twitter.com/dOairCkGyU
— Ameyaw Debrah (@ameyaw112) March 14, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Divine Kpe
(Educationist & Africa Education Watch Fellow)
People & Lifestyle
Is a Free VPN Safe to Use? Exploring the Risks and Benefits
In our current digital age, online privacy and security have become an importantt concerns for internet users around the world. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, people are actively seeking ways to protect their online activities. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have gained popularity as tools that promise safeguarding your digital footprint. While there are many VPN options available, free VPNs, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their accessibility. In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of using a free VPN, with a focus on free VPN for Windows.
Understanding VPNs: What Are They?
Before delving into the world of free VPNs, let’s understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is essentially a service that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device (in this case, your Windows PC) and a remote server. This connection masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties, such as hackers or government agencies, to monitor your online activities.
The Benefits of Using a Free VPN
Enhanced Privacy: One of the primary advantages of using a free VPN is the boost in online privacy. Your internet service provider (ISP), websites, and even potential cybercriminals won’t be able to track your online behavior when you’re connected to a VPN.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Free VPNs often allow users to access geo-restricted content. For example, if a streaming platform or website is only accessible in certain regions, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re browsing from an eligible location.
Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, your data becomes vulnerable to interception. A free VPN can add an extra layer of security when you’re using unsecured public Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels.
The Risks Associated with Free VPNs
Data Logging: Many free VPN providers track and log user data. This can include your online activities, websites visited, and even personal information. This data may then be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
Inadequate Security Measures: Some free VPNs might not implement robust encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to breaches or leaks.
Limited Features: Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower connection speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations. These restrictions can hinder your online experience.
Malware and Adware: Some free VPN services have been found to include malware or adware in their software, potentially infecting your device.
Uncertain Jurisdiction: Free VPN providers can be based in countries with lax data privacy laws, which means they may not be obligated to protect your data.