How can you help this teacher in distress?

Question

This woman approached me in some distress. She was once a student at this skills training centre for women. She was so good at her knitting and handcrafts the management decided to make her a teacher in exactly these subjects.

She is now teaching her former classmates. They view her with some resentment, and refuse to follow her orders. They tease her for being illiterate, old and childless (They are 20 years younger than her, she's around 40, I didn't like to ask, but her students (and former classmates) are in their late teens and early 20s)

I suspect jealousy is a factor, but how can matters be resolved for this woman? From what I see, she's an excellent teacher, but the students are just impossible to her.

Some extra details about this woman. The skills training centre is for deaf women in the Gambia (West Africa)
It is extremely difficult for this woman to get job as a teacher anywhere else, as she cannot even write her own name., and she's deaf as well.

Answer 1

" exclusion " maybe this is why promotion is always better moving to a new place. People you do not know tend to give you more respect.......
Chef

Answer 2

Ever try the following? In using the inner circle (also called fishbowl) technique I announce that at the next class meeting we are going to have a class within a class, with 6 to 15 students acting as the discussion group and the others as observers. Classroom has movable chairs? Then arrange the seating in concentric circles. Students who are normally silent will talk when they feel the increased sense of responsibility as members of the inner circle. This "fishbowl" can be used in small, as well as large, classes. Tell students that at the next class meeting the teacher chooses 6 to 15 students to be "in the fishbowl." You then conduct a discussion (based on the work to date) with the students in the fishbowl. The rest of the students are to act as observers and recorders, noting both the process and the content of the discussion. Before the end of the class period, observers write a brief summary of the discussion and/or answer the question, "What would you have said that wasn't said?"

Answer 3

Her approach to the class should be as a team with a goal they would like to accomplish. Her her conversations with individual students could include talk about the issues she is having and try to get them to help her make a transition from student to teacher. In other words make the class feel like they are needed and perhaps they are to help her make it a great class. Involve them all in suggestions and ideas on what the topic should be within the training cent res guidelines. Give praise, but not on everything but so when given it would be valued.
The next class should be easier since it would be new students but if the team effort worked keep it going. People like to be involved and told what to do. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Why not encourage her to go to college to get some qualifications and then she can get a job somewhere else and use her talents.

I know this will sound scarey but she could attend night classes and there is help for people who have difficulty in literacy and numeracy.

Is she being paid? If not or if it is a really low pay then maybe your friend could do volunteer work with people who really will appreciate her skills.

Best of all she has a friend like you who is concerned for her.

I hope all works out for the best!

Answer 5

Remember there is 1 student in every group that the instructor has helped or "touched" in some form. Always keep in mind that 1 student has listened, and even learned from your instruction. The others will come with time.

Answer 6

I think the problem lies with jelousy. The other students aren;'t as good as her they know there not, now there all jelous because this woman finnally got what she deserved a good job doing what she loves best. And good luck to her aswell, She wont be teaching these students forever maybe the next bunch will have some respect!

Answer 7

The students are just trying to push boundaries, if you show them that it doesnt worry you then they wont carry on taking the mickey, or just tell them straight that your there to teach them and its up to them if they want to learn, if not then ask them to think why they are there and if they realy want to learn and better there lifes.
Your there to teach a subject, people of this age should be there just to learn if there not, then theres plenty more who are willing to take there places.
Good Luck, youll have a new group of students soon enough. Show them some infusiasm for the subject and just try to have fun.

Answer 8

Who is in charge at this school? It seems to me that this woman needs back up and support. She has been asked to do something because she has great skill. That should not be wasted by letting one class of rude teens and 20 somethings drive her out. Who runs this school? They should recognize this situation and call those girls into a circle for a little lesson in maturity. After all, you are teaching these young ladies more than just sewing aren't you? You are teaching them how to behave in adult situations.

Answer 9

i would split the class up the ones who dont want to work i would not give them any attention. and put all my attention in the ones who want to learn. at their ages thay ahould know better but it just goes to show. the less attention she gives to these trouble makers the better, they probably like the fact that its getting to her so do it more, thinking they are in controll. and wanting her to fail.
she must be strong and get the control back. focus on the good, and give no attention to the bad at all. i can imagine its very hard. but if they are acting like children treat them like children.

Answer 10

if the students are so clever why are THEY taking knitting and handicraft as a subject? She should change her job, use this one as a stepping stone to something better.

Answer 11

Every where in the world there is teasing so let her just continue with her work