Teaching With Trauma
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Trauma has been identified as a major challenge in the field of education. One study found that up to 48% of teachers have experienced at least one traumatic event (Foucault-Laroche et al., 2013). This raises several questions about how best to approach teaching traumatized students.
One of the first considerations is to understand the nature of trauma. Trauma can be broadly defined as an experience that is outside the norm, upsetting, and life-threatening (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This can include physical or sexual abuse, witnessing violence, or experiencing a natural disaster.
There are several ways to approach teaching students who have experienced trauma. One option is to provide a supportive environment. This can involve providing a safe space for students to talk about their experiences, providing support and resources, and providing a positive attitude. Another approach is to provide specific instruction related to trauma. This can involve teaching students how to deal with stress, cope with anger, or handle traumatic memories.
Either approach is likely to be challenging. One of the main challenges is that traumatized students often have difficulty regulating their emotions. This can make it difficult for them to listen and follow directions. It can also make it difficult for them to learn.
Fortunately, several strategies can help. One strategy is to provide structure. This can involve setting clear expectations, providing clear instructions, and providing regular feedback. Another strategy is to provide support. This can involve providing emotional support, providing physical support, or both. Finally, it is important to provide positive reinforcement. This can include giving students positive feedback, awarding them points for good performance, or providing rewards for completing tasks.
In summary, teaching with trauma is a challenging task. However, with the right strategies, it can be manageable.