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Teachers' Writing Corner

Ways to Deal with Students’

Emotional Needs

Ms. Ma Ka Wai and Ms. Ng Chin Wing Karen

Have you ever noticed that your students are lonely, trapped, or scared?
If so, you are sensitive to their feelings. According to Weiss (2000), when we
have negative emotions, energy from our brains and our learning ability will be
worsened. On the contrary, when we have positive energy, energy from our
brains and our learning ability will be enhanced (Weiss, 2000). In this sense,
it is of the utmost importance that teachers should be more aware of students’
emotional needs so as to foster their learning progress. Based on the hierarchy
of need theory formed by Maslow (1943) and the stages of self-regulation set
up by Cash (2016), there are a few stages teachers can follow and cater for
students’ emotional needs.

The first vital stage is to cultivate a strong sense of safety inside the
classroom. Teachers should familiarize their students with their daily lesson
schedule and lesson objectives so that their students can have more readiness
to focus on the lessons. Besides, assigning their students to sit comfortably can
let them stretch and move around to participate in classroom activities. This
can help facilitate a harmonious learning environment.

The next stage is to build a sense of belonging in the classroom. Teachers
should guide their students to learn to listen, understand and express. Students
should learn to listen to others with empathy. Besides, students should learn
to understand others’ differences. They should realize that those differences
make us all unique and important. One more crucial way to help students build
a sense of belonging is to teach them how to express their ideas. They should
feel at ease finding someone they trust to express their feelings and ideas in
the classroom.

Another stage is to encourage students to foster their individual strengths.
Through finding new things that they can learn from the lessons, they can try
to build up their self-esteem with their small success. One small step can build
a good foundation for their ultimate goal. Furthermore, teachers can help their
students to be more aware of their own talent by inviting them to participate
actively in group work and class discussions. Meanwhile, teachers should
encourage their students to learn how to set a vision for the future. Once they
set their own target, they can be encouraged to strive to achieve with their
strength.

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