Training in counselling should be imparted to every teacher
As students spend most of their time in school and college the teachers play a vital role to shape the personality of the students. The mental well-being of the students paves the way to strengthen their confidence level and also elevate their performance level in the academic arena. The teachers should be trained to counsel students and address a range of issues such as strained relationships with parents, the self-image, and how they project themselves to the outside world.
In today’s fast paced life children often succumb to peer pressure and hence they tend to sway towards instant gratification which may affect their life negatively. For instance, the students can face issues like addiction, suicide, and depression. Here the role of the teacher translates and manifests to being a counsellor. The teacher is in constant touch with the students and hence the counselling part is imperative in an academic setup. The teachers can become the source of inspiration and motivation for the students.
It is not easy for any student to open up and share their issues. Hence the teachers must establish credibility and trust so that the information shared is confidential. Every teacher should be trained in student counselling. The teacher’s role is not only restricted inside the domain of classroom teaching only. The relationship between the teacher and the student has a major influence on the students’ behaviors.
Today’s teachers have to play multiple roles
Teachers are seen as more of an influencer touching the lives of the students in all domains. They have to be active listeners, with high level of integrity, so that the students can express themselves without any inhibitions. This starts with building rapport with the students. A good combination of verbal and non-verbal communication processes would make the students at ease with the teacher. It is essential to provide space to the students so that they can express themselves. The teachers as counsellors should not be judgmental based on the student’s academic record or personality. Since the students look up to their teachers for moral support, teachers must provide that care to them.
The teachers should be consistent and be composed all the time so that they are in their right frame of mind to counsel the students. It is essential for the teachers to be accountable for the performance of the students. The onus lies with the teacher to reach out to the student’s in case the students need further guidance without getting irked. It is important for the teacher to collaborate with the administration in case any student needs medical intervention relating to their behavioural issues.
It is essential for the teacher to be observant regarding any change in behaviour and monitor continuously in order to offer remedies. As counsellors the teachers need to resolve conflict interpersonal and intrapersonal and create more awareness among the students of their potential so that they can reach the zenith of success. The role transcends from being a teacher to being the reason for change in a student’s life.
It would address the right career choice, solving conflict so that the students can perform as self-sufficient individuals ready to take up any challenge with a positive attitude. Thus the role encapsulates from teaching to touching lives of the students in every sphere.