One of the things that enables a comfortable and receptive learning environment between students and teachers is the assurance, love, and sense of understanding a child feels or gets from the teacher.
Children tend to do better when they are taught with love and care. A teacher cannot fully play his or her role without partially playing the role of a parent to their student(s).
The teacher is often the first person from whom a child learns his or her social skills. Teachers help their students, guiding them through the early stages of life by building developmental skills. A great teacher has the potential power to bring a positive change in a child’s development.
The Question Of Teachers Assuming Parental Roles For Students
In focus of academic staff support, the discussions are mostly focused on the level of attainment of the desired learning objectives. When student achievement is poor, then some critical factors related to teaching and learning should be closely examined, such as the qualities of teachers and school curricula, appropriateness of teaching strategies to students’ development levels, and atmosphere and climate of learning and integration (Bergamo et al. 2012; Lawson et al. 2012; Korkmaz 2007).
In other words, it is perfectly okay for a teacher to assume a parental role for the student as long as he/she knows her boundary. In short, nowadays students spend more than half of their day with their teachers than their parents. So, these teachers are somehow part of the backbone of these children’s moral upbringing.
Students who attend boarding schools spend more time with their teachers than with their parents and most times these teachers have no option but to take up parental roles for these students so as to safeguard their lives and protect them from the unknown
Importance Of Teachers Assuming Parental Roles For Their Students
It can be agreed that students need more than just good teachers and a decorated classroom to confront future challenges. For students to get the most out of school, we need to promote a cordial relationship between parents, community leaders, and teachers. When families are involved in learning, the research shows that “students achieve more, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or the parents’ education level” (Antunez 2000).
Despite these findings, many schools struggle to actively engage high numbers of parents and other family members in children’s schooling. Even when they attempt to, some families’ lack of interest, or sometimes the unwillingness to get involved can be highly frustrating and a turn-off.
Due to this, some teachers willingly assume parental roles in order to make the students comfortable, and in-depth learning possible. This is done by understanding their broad personality types which helps teachers communicate the strengths and weaknesses of students.
It is most definitely safe to say that teachers tend to have more impact on children especially the way they teach or interact with these children. If you have a teacher who’s like a father to you, I say you most likely have some precious memories with that teacher and should enjoy their presence.
Conclusion
A teacher is indeed a second parent, guiding and nurturing their students’ minds and hearts. They play a vital role in shaping a child’s development, imparting knowledge, values, and life skills. Teachers provide a safe, inclusive environment that encourages growth, curiosity, and collaboration.
Researcher: Safiya Onayi Ahmed