Thank you for sharing your experiences, both positive and negative. b Your first (negative)
example is quite shocking. b It is interesting how such negative and public experiences in
the classroom can affect one's enthusiasm and willingness to engage in collaborative and
public learning activities. b We are so vulnerable at such a young age, and effective
teaching principles and methods are very important during our formative years. b Reyneke
(2020) conducted an interesting study that explored courage and resiliency for young
children in the classroom. b He suggests, "Teachers could play a vital role in the
development of resilience, primarily through creating a caring educational environment and
providing support to learners, especially when they establish good respectful relationships
with them ". I completely concur with your retrospection that your negative experience
entailed a lack of respect, as defined by Berstein et al. (2020). b I am sure this probably
violated your sense of trust and may have even created some unconscious hesitancy later
in terms of volunteering in the classroom. b This type of shaming of a child could also have
disastrous effects beyond the immediate classroom. b Reyneke (2020) also points out this
potential danger or societal ripple effect, "Children who do not experience belonging feel
rejected and look for artificial methods to compensate. b Gang affiliation, attention-seeking,
hypervigilance, being unattached, loneliness, and distrustfulness are all ways in which
children attempt to fill the need for belonging" (p. 147). b This thought also adds weight
and emphasis to what Dr. Ramirez mentioned in her post about how teaching is a big
responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
b b b b b b b Your positive example is a great illustration of making others feel valued and its
positive ripple effects. b I agree that this is very important in the classroom and for all of
life. b Students need to be encouraged to contribute and discuss their ideas. b During this
process, we need to make them feel safe to do so and communicate that their contributions
add value to the discussion at hand. I am so sorry to hear that teacher made such a
negative impact and at such a young age, she could have easily made you dislike school
and be unsuccessful through the years. b I am glad at least you were able to persevere and
keep doing well in school in spite of her teaching style. b I can relate in regard to strict
elementary school teacher, I have some memories of a few, b I went to elementary school in
Puerto Rico where corporal punishment in school was allowed so I hated going to school a
young kid. b According to Bernstein et al., (2020) mutual respect and respecting diverse
talents and ways of learning is important to effective teaching and your 1st grade teacher as
many of my elementary school teachers failed in that aspect of teaching. b I’m glad to see
you did find a much better college professor that helped you with the positive side of
teaching by being a respectful educator who sounds like thrives off the rapport he builds
with his students. b
References
Bernstein, D. A., Frantz, S., & Chew, S. (2020). Teaching psychology: A step-by-step
guide (Third ed.). b Routledge.
Reyneke, R. P. (2020). b Increasing resilience, lowering risk: Teachers' use of the circle of
courage in the classroom. b Perspectives in Education, 38(1), 144-162. b
https://doi.org/10.18820/2519593X/pie.v38i1.11
