SHAH ALAM, July 15 — Teachers must change their approach in line with students’ challenges in the digital era, by emphasising emotional connection and understanding, said Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) psychologist and counsellor Prof Dr Mohammad Aiz Shah Mohamed Arip.
He said approaches that were effective decades ago are no longer wholly applicable as today’s challenges and environments are very different.
“As Prophet Muhammed said, live in your time, don’t live in my time … We can no longer say teachers back then were more patient or students then were different, because that was then.
“Last time, there were no smartphones or social media. Today’s students grow up with technology, so educators’ approaches should shift with the time,” he told Media Selangor.
He said that although teachers have more duties now, they must still forge close emotional relationships with students so the children feel appreciated and have a trusted adult in whom they can confide.
Aziz Shah said good student-teacher relationships help children be more open about the pressures they face, which could improve the early detection of psychological issues.
“Teachers don’t just teach academics, but also guide emotions and identity. If students don’t greet teachers, teachers should greet students first. That’s the role of an educator,” he added.
He also said teachers must avoid punishing or labelling students as a child has cause for each of their actions and mustn’t be blamed.
“What we hope (for) children aged seven, eight, 10, or 12, whose emotions are still roiling, is that they are guided with a calm heart. Teachers and parents shouldn’t be quick to judge because there are factors behind every naughty, combative, or academically weak student.
“Teachers must continue guiding them with patience, love and empathy. If not, teachers themselves would become emotional, quick to anger, neglect students who are slow in their studies, or give up when their advice isn’t taken,” he said.
Aziz Shah explained that training in psychology, emotion management and interpersonal skills must be expanded to all teachers so they may consistently incorporate empathy, patience and love in their daily lives.
“In the 45 minutes of class, teachers must be focused, control their emotions, teach with patience, and express love. That is what remains in students’ memories and lives,” he added.
He also said students’ mental health is a shared responsibility, not just that of psychologists or counsellors, adding that teachers, parents, peers and the community must become students’ first line of defence.
“This is why we must address issues like bullying and mental health together at every level, so the community and students grow up in a healthy environment,” Aziz Shah said.
