Unlocking Potential: The Power of Teacher Response

Response is one of the most powerful tools in our lives and workplaces. Our responses to issues and situations reflect our concerns about both. . Emotional intelligence teaches us how to lead ourselves in all circumstances, whether good or bad. Verbal and non-verbal irrational responses can quickly dismantle relationships, regardless of how much we may want to prove a point.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a response is defined as an answer or reaction to something that has been said or done. Your answer or reaction should leave something valuable behind once it is expressed. It is within your control how you choose to respond.

As Viktor E. Frankl stated,

Viktor Frankl was an Austrian psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and Holocaust survivor who endured immense suffering with his family in concentration camps. Despite the brutality around him, Frankl was determined to find meaning in his circumstances. He chose to respond positively to the unfavourable conditions he faced.

As a teacher, how do you respond to your students and other members of the teaching and learning community? How impactful is your response?

The teaching and learning environment is filled with stimuli—actions that can prompt behavioural changes, whether positive or negative. These stimuli can arise from students, management, or other members of the community. Since actions will always elicit a reaction, it's important to remember that while teachers may not have control over these actions, they do have control over their responses.

Teachers can choose how to react to various situations and circumstances. By utilizing the gap between the stimulus and the response, educators can make positive choices. A response that fosters growth rather than harm, that celebrates the uniqueness of each student and respects diversity in learning abilities, can significantly enhance the learning experience. In the realm of teaching and learning, how a teacher responds to challenges is one way to assess emotional intelligence.

Teachers have various ways to respond to their students, and one of the most powerful methods is through feedback. Feedback should not be a criticism that damages the self-esteem and abilities of learners and their parents; rather, it should serve as a source of encouragement and a symbol of hope. Through feedback, teachers can address students' behaviour and performance genuinely and constructively. This, in turn, motivates learners to strive for excellence in all aspects of their education. The importance of providing positive responses cannot be overstated. Just as Viktor Frankl emphasised, we should use our ability to respond in ways that promote growth and freedom. Students look forward to this kind of guidance, and it is within our power to ensure that our responses foster an environment of peace and support.

Teachers often respond to learners' questions during classroom discussions. However, some teachers find this moment uncomfortable because, in traditional teaching methods, students were not encouraged to ask questions during lessons. In student-centered learning environments, the ability to ask questions is a key priority. Unfortunately, this traditional mindset has hindered some teachers and their teaching effectiveness.

To avoid challenging situations, some teachers may react negatively to students' questions, which can instil fear and discourage participation. Instead of responding negatively, teachers should embrace questions as opportunities for growth. If a teacher does not have an immediate answer, he or she can request additional time to research the topic and provide a thoughtful response later. It is crucial to avoid shutting down students’ inquiries.

The skill of questioning has been valued since the time of Socrates. Rather than being seen as a threat, questioning should be viewed as a means to promote deeper learning, understanding, and the construction of knowledge.

Another way a teacher can respond is through the correction of wrongdoing. While discipline is crucial, our approach should focus on improving learners rather than discouraging them. When addressing a learner's misbehaviour, it is essential to keep the purpose in mind: to help the learner grow.

 As a teacher, I have witnessed the impact of response to outcomes. I've seen teachers make progress through positive feedback, while I’ve also observed learners feeling discouraged and teachers becoming stagnant as a result of negative responses. This ability to respond effectively is a powerful tool we possess; let’s use it positively to encourage our learners and instil hope.

 

 Some red flags of poor teacher-emotional intelligence 
 

Pay attention to this teachers

 

To value our learners and the learning is a huge thing in teaching and learning. This cannot be without emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence brings you to the place of love where you are empowered within to value your learners and the learning. Until we get to this point, there will be no meaningful result.

You got to pay attention to your emotional intelligence as a teacher

Strong Emotional Intelligence is crucial in all aspects of our lives.Cultivate it,nurture and growth it and you will win with your learners.

You must tap into the power.Trust me 

 

Emotional intelligence......

 

Additional resources 

What is Emotional Intelligence and how does it apply to the workplace?

Why Emotional Intelligence is Important in Leadership

Teacher and Emotional Intelligence(EI)

  

             

As an experienced teacher, I've come to realize that our emotions, behavior, actions, and reactions can greatly influence individuals, generations, and society as a whole. I've also learned that our success in teaching is closely linked to our emotional intelligence.

 So, what exactly is emotional intelligence? According to Mental Health America (MHA), emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.

I particularly like how Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves see emotional intelligence

“Emotional intelligence is the “something” in each of us that is a bit intangible .It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve positive results”

Research has shown that individuals with strong emotional intelligence don't make impulsive decisions; instead, they think critically and objectively before acting. This approach helps them avoid harming themselves and those around them. They also strive to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and their impact on the environment.

Emotional intelligence is crucial in our personal, social, and professional lives to prevent negative effects on learning and learners. Teachers serve as leaders and role models, and as such, they must act in ways that support the smooth flow of teaching and learning.

 Qualities like hard work, honesty, discipline, and punctuality are all important, but emotional intelligence is particularly crucial. It's vital to consider the long-term impact of your actions, reactions, and responses in the teaching and learning environment, especially towards your students. How do you handle learners with questionable character, poor handwriting, low-ability learners, , abused learners, and learners dealing with life issues such as sickness?  Do your learners fear you?. Consider how people feel after interacting with you – do they feel hurt, intimidated, or empowered? These questions call for a moment of reflection. Also, how do you respond to  line managers with their impulsive decisions? How do you handle unpleasant situations at home, in your relationships, and in the workplace? Do you transfer aggression and let unpleasant situations tear down the walls? These questions call for a moment of reflection.

A parent once told me about a teacher who constantly encouraged her children despite facing family challenges. This teacher was homeless at the time due to an issue, but she never let it affect her excellent delivery during home lessons. She was always punctual, diligent with her work, composed, and never asked for anything from the family, even though they were wealthy with mansions. The parent also shared that the youngest son loved this teacher because of her exemplary behaviour. In conclusion, the teacher's actions demonstrated high emotional intelligence.

"Sometimes, when I observe the situations in the classroom, the actions of learners, and their responses sometimes, I realize that my reactions are not accidental. The sense of peace I experience amidst the challenges with some learners is a result of my emotional intelligence. Teachers should understand the impact of emotional intelligence as it affects every aspect of their being.

 Dealing with learners requires a high level of emotional intelligence because teachers need to be self-aware of their emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and manage them to authentically lead their learners. Our emotional intelligence is inherent and is reflected in our decisions, actions, reactions, and responses.

It's important to develop and nurture your emotional intelligence for your benefit and the broader society because a single decision, action, reaction, or response can either improve or harm a society, not just yourself. As an example, King Rehoboam lost 10 tribes for two as a result of one single decision, action, and response. Be cautious and elevate the standard of your emotional intelligence, for the present and the future."

Five Key elements of Emotinal intelligence

In the book "Why You Act the Way You Do," Tim LaHaye discusses the importance of self-awareness in understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. He emphasizes that our temperaments have a significant influence on everything we do. Self-awareness allows us to better understand how our actions and emotions impact others.

Self-regulation is also crucial as it helps us manage our emotions in a healthy and composed manner, without causing friction. It enables us to express our feelings appropriately, handle conflicts and difficult situations, and adapt to change effectively.

Empathy is a crucial element of emotional intelligence. With empathy, we can understand and share other people's feelings and see things from their perspective. It is all about understanding the emotional state of others and responding appropriately. Empathy rejects selfishness and embraces selflessness and service.

Motivation is also crucial in emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent people are motivated not by material things such as money or recognition, but by intrinsic values. They are committed, action-oriented, and always striving to do better, often working in obscurity but their good work will eventually be recognized.

 Social skills are also an important aspect of emotional intelligence. It involves not only understanding your own emotions but also understanding and connecting with others. Effective communication and interaction with others are essential for team spirit and collaboration to thrive, both in personal and professional environments. Cultivating purposeful relationships and connections is essential for greater achievements.

Building strong emotional intelligence can profoundly affect the personal and professional life of a teacher. Strong emotional intelligence promotes self-awareness, helping teachers discover their identity in Christ. With this intelligence, teachers can value and lead themselves in a way that allows them to live meaningfully outside of their profession.

 Strong emotional intelligence also enhances a teacher's influence on learners. Teachers with strong emotional intelligence tend to lead well because they model leadership in their decisions, actions, and reactions. They understand their own emotions as well as those of their learners and can act appropriately.

Moreover, strong emotional intelligence promotes a purposeful teacher-learner relationship. A positive teacher-learner relationship creates an enabling atmosphere for effective learning. This is because the teacher understands the uniqueness and diversities of learners and respects them using the power of inclusion, empathy, and humility.

Additionally, stress management is a significant benefit of strong emotional intelligence for teachers. It allow teachers to manage their own emotions and those of their learners, enabling them to exert control over situations and act appropriately.

Furthermore, strong emotional intelligence enables a teacher to act objectively, avoiding impulsive decisions that can disrupt the flow of learning.

As part of your personal and professional growth, I highly recommend building your emotional intelligence because it is the totality of being. It reveals who you are by informing your decisions, actions, and reactions. Here are some tips to help you work on your emotional intelligence:

 

·         Discover your identity in Christ.

·         Discover your purpose and live meaningfully.

·         Discover your temperaments (strengths and weaknesses).

·         View situations objectively – know when to make decisions, when and how to act and respond to issues.

·         Know when to say yes and when to say no politely.

·         Communicate well and watch your tone and expressions (verbal and non-verbal).

·         Stay around people who are ahead of you professionally.

·         Stay around people with integrity.

·         Stay around positive people.

·         Increase your success by not journeying alone.

·         Get a mentor, counsellor, or coach if you need to.

·         Above all, 

 

"Dressing is an important part of human existence. It is how you p
resent yourself. The image you project with your dress has much to say about you. Dressing reflects you, and that reflection will determine how you will be addressed. No wonder the saying "Dress how you want to be addressed." Everyone wants to be properly addressed, but most times the look says the opposite

The manner and how a teacher dresses have much to say about the teacher and profession. By dressing appropriately, a teacher creates and reflects a positive, welcoming, and professional image that sets him/her as a role model for the learners.

 Most schools have a dress policy that must be respected. This policy may involve a color code to distinguish staff members from visitors. This should be respected. Also, the dressing should respect the school activity days such as sports day and culture day. In most Nigerian schools, teachers are expected to look sporty on sports days and traditional on culture and national day.

Dress

 You do not need to buy expensive materials to look great. You just need to be smart in your choices and combinations. Footwear must allow quick movement in case of emergency.

- Dress in a way that will portray

Do not be weary in your look. Appear ready for the job.

- Dress in a way that will promote 

and not in a way that will draw the attention of the learners away from the main thing. Remember, the focus should be on learning, not on you.

What to avoid in teacher dressing:

- Dressing should not be

 — unnecessarily colourful and shiny. Be modest and professional..

- Dressing should not be 

. Avoid dressing in a way that can put learners, colleagues, and people off. The dress should not be revealing. Remember, teachers are role models — our learners are watching."

                                      &

Integrity is an essential quality that is crucial to have. A life without integrity is insignificant and lacks meaningful purpose. Integrity is a fundamental force in personal life, family, organizations, and society as a whole. In the Cambridge Dictionary, integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. This is a trait admired in all aspects of life.

I perceive integrity as being godly and Christ-like in all our endeavors, where words and actions align rather than diverge. A life of integrity is as strong as a lion yet gentle as a dove. It is not associated with disrespect, dishonesty, harassment, insults, division, racism, or conflict. It encompasses love, honesty, respect, responsibility, teachability, temperance, humility, hard work, empathy, kindness, awareness, trustworthiness, uprightness, gratitude, discipline, consistency in words and actions, and more.

Now, let's consider the integrity of teachers and why it is important. Having been a teacher for a long time, I have witnessed the impact of teachers on their students and the entire teaching and learning community, both positively and negatively. Teachers serve as role models, and it is crucial to consider the behaviours and values they are modelling.

What is teacher integrity? This refers to the values and ethical principles that guide a teacher’s professional conduct. A teacher living a life of integrity must reflect that in his or her practice without a doubt because what you have is what you will give.

are:

 Honesty, fairness, and accountability- A teacher with integrity should be able to provide truthful information to the members of the academic community; learners, parents, and the school. Teachers must give accurate scores, meaning that grading must be transparent. No teacher is allowed to deflate or inflate scores in favour of a learner at the expense of another. Learners must be treated uniquely with equal opportunities to succeed without victimization. Dialogue and the promotion of a sense of belonging are also essential. A teacher with integrity takes responsibility for his or her actions, ensuring that he or she acts positively, knowing that positive and negative actions result in positive and negative consequences.

Academic integrity: A teacher who possesses integrity values and upholds academic honesty. They prioritize the integrity of the profession and view it as an honor to do so. A teacher with integrity understands that the role of a teacher is larger than the individual and must be safeguarded.

 Teachers  with integrity should foster an environment of respect, embracing diversity and recognizing different learning styles. They should also prioritize hard work and commitment, understanding that success is a result of sustained effort and dedication. These values enable teachers to continuously improve their skills and better serve the teaching and learning community

As a teacher, it is essential to prioritize personal and professional development as a matter of urgency. Change is constant, and therefore, personal and professional growth should never be postponed. In John C. Maxwell’s book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth page 11, line 12, it is stated,

I fully agree that it is indeed a trap that should be avoided. Teachers with integrity should have a strong commitment to lifelong learning as it leads to self-awareness and ultimately, greatness. It is important to attend seminars, workshops, and even consider going back to school if necessary. Teacher integrity allows for the continuous need for personal and professional growth.

A disciplined life reflects a teacher’s integrity, as Jim Rohn said, “

Discipline helps a teacher to set boundaries to actions, knowing the right thing to do, how and when to do it. It involves a controlled character, discipline in thoughts, words, and actions. It is a conscious effort to train oneself to do good. A life of discipline saves one from trouble.

Reflection, or reflective practice, is an important growth mindset activity that reflects teacher integrity. It is only in the atmosphere of integrity that a teacher can pause for a moment to evaluate actions, make necessary amendments, and improve. When teachers purposefully reflect, it helps them to think meaningfully to positively inform their actions and practices. Find a suitable positive thinking place for yourself for significant improvement in your profession and life as a whole.

Building a positive school culture requires strong teacher integrity as it has a significant impact on education and promotes trust from all members of the teaching and learning community: learners, parents, and the school. So, embrace integrity if you don’t have it.

 

       For personal growth and development :

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Teacher-honour:Why it matters

 

As a teacher, excellence begins with self-honour. Sometimes we tend not to notice that until we honour ourselves as teachers, respect will not come our way.

According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, self-respect is simply -'a proper respect for oneself as human being’ It went further to say 'regard for one’s own standing or position'.

Do you know that you are not an ordinary teacher but a human being carefully created by God to be a teacher? Why do you not carry yourself with dignity?

Teacher honour is simply the respect, value, and importance that you place on yourself and your well-being as a teacher. It has much to do with your self-belief, how you see and represent yourself.

Your image and how you present yourself will go a long way to determine how people will respect you so it starts with you.

Sometimes when teachers say that people don’t honour and respect them, my immediate question is always: Do you respect yourself? Most times this question is left unanswered because most do not even know how to respect themselves. They believe they are nothing but ordinary, not worthy of honour.

That narrative has to change because teaching is a noble profession, and teachers are noble people. Until you learn to honour yourself, it is rare for anybody to honour you.

A teacher should respect himself or herself in all dimensions - physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The level of respect that some of us show ourselves as teachers is one reason why the profession is not honoured by some people. Many see teachers as poor and the profession as undignified instead of noble. I want to emphasize that teaching is the most powerful profession on the planet, and teachers are unique because of the significant role they play in society across all occupations.

It's important how we conduct ourselves as teachers. A teacher should act and work with dignity. Value yourself, knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do not settle for less. Say no to wrongdoing like examination malpractice and other vices that can be found in the profession.

Be spiritually attuned by prioritizing a connection with God. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your own identity and to acknowledge your belongingness, as all aspects of life are closely linked to one's sense of self. For further insights, refer to our previous episode on 'Teacher Identity'.

Self-care is essential for our well-being. It is important to prioritize self-care. A healthy body is crucial for optimal functioning, so it is important to eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. Regular health check-ups for eyes, ears, teeth, blood pressure, and sugar levels are also important.

Additionally, it is important to dress professionally and present oneself well. The first impression matters, so it's important not to undermine the profession with a poor appearance. (Remember, you don't have to appear expensive to look good). I once had someone question whether I was a teacher or a banker at a conference because of my professional appearance. I believe it's important to represent the teaching profession well by dressing and acting professionally.

Emotionally, it's important to maintain a positive outlook and high emotional intelligence. Understanding our strengths and weaknesses and managing our emotions is crucial for effective functioning as a teacher. With emotional intelligence, we can relate to others authentically and understand their behaviors. It's important not to let our past define us and to focus on a bright future.

For more insight on Emotional Intelligence, click on the links below and watch the video

What is emotional intelligence and how does it apply to the workplace?

Why Emotional Intelligence is Important in Leadership

The Power of Emotional Intelligence | Travis Bradberry | TEDxUCIrvine

Cast off negative thoughts and beliefs, and do not settle for less. Be who God says you are, not who people say you are. Do not stay around negative people, people who tear you down or abuse you in any way. Surround yourself with people who encourage you. Do not dwell in the past; move beyond it and do not let it define you. Forgive yourself to avoid guilt and shame. Refuse to carry the burden of unforgiveness, as it's too heavy to make a significant impact. Speak positively to yourself and about your future. Do not belittle yourself.

Get professional help if you need it; remember your mental health is crucial, without it, your actions will not be meaningful.

Intellectually

 Part of honouring yourself is to improve as a teacher. Be a lifelong learner and commit to personal and professional growth. Stay informed, don't become obsolete, and attend trainings, seminars and workshops. Professional development is a way to honour yourself as a teacher. When you are uninformed, it can lead to low self-esteem and loss of respect. Be open to learning and stay teachable, and engage positively with others.

Integrity- Honour your values and say no to wrongdoing such as examination malpractice, bribery, and the like. Remember, it hurts to say yes when you need to say no. Lack of integrity can jeopardize an entire society.

Above all, serve and give back to society. Do not withhold because 

We cannot cover all aspects of self-honor here, but know that you can act and work excellently when you respect yourself."

Teacher Identity :Why It Matters

  

The concept of teacher identity is vital to effective teaching and learning. Teacher identity encompasses a teacher's values, beliefs, actions, and experiences, and how these aspects inform their practice and sense of self. It is a dynamic concept that evolves as teachers research, learn, gain experiences, reflect on their practices, and interact with learners, colleagues, and members of teaching and learning communities.

Several factors can influence teacher identity, including personal experiences, family and educational background, culture, beliefs, and societal influences. A teacher's identity can be either positive or negative. With a positive identity, teachers are passionate about teaching, dedicated to students' learning and well-being, and committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. Developing a positive teacher identity involves reflection, collaboration, and engagement in professional learning communities.

Although teacher identity can be challenging at times, it is a force that shapes teachers' behavior, actions, and practices. It informs their strengths and helps them address their weaknesses.

 

1. How do you perceive yourself as a teacher?

2. How do you present yourself?

3. What are your strengths and how do you utilize them?

4. How do you work on your weaknesses?

5. How informed are you?

6. Are you up-to-date or outdated?

7. How committed are you to pedagogical approaches and practices?

8. How do you handle learner and collegial relationships?

Discovering and understanding your identity as a teacher is crucial, as it shapes who you are and how you represent yourself in the educational field.