Teaching for peace in Palestine | Hanan Al Hroub, Palestine | Global Teacher Prize

Summary

The transcript highlights a teacher’s journey in overcoming violence and trauma in her students' lives. Growing up in an environment marked by violence, the teacher later becomes a role model, using creative methods like games and storytelling to help children cope with emotional trauma. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing children's emotional well-being and academic growth through personalized approaches, steering them away from the effects of violence. Her work, rooted in Palestinian resilience, advocates for education as a powerful tool for healing and empowerment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on growing up in an environment of constant violence, which shaped their childhood and adolescence.
• 😀 A traumatic incident, in which the speaker's spouse and children were affected by a shooting, caused severe emotional shock in the family, especially the children.
• 😀 The children's behavior and academic performance were significantly impacted by the trauma, leaving the speaker to handle the situation alone without support from teachers.
• 😀 The speaker used creative methods like home games and socializing with neighbors' children to help their kids regain confidence and heal from the shock.
• 😀 Gradually, the children became more confident and socially engaged, improving their behavior and academic performance.
• 😀 The speaker transitioned to teaching, feeling a strong responsibility to help children facing emotional trauma due to violence and external factors.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing students' psychological needs, especially when external violence impacts their behavior.
• 😀 Teachers should be proactive in applying non-violent methods to deal with students' emotional issues, focusing on empathy and understanding rather than punishment.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the role of Hanane, a teacher who successfully helped a student (Karim) overcome behavioral issues by encouraging creative engagement and self-expression.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of education as a tool for healing, advocating for peace and the well-being of children, and emphasizing that knowledge is a powerful weapon for overcoming adversity.

Q & A

What was the impact of the traumatic incident on the speaker's children?

The traumatic incident, where the speaker's husband and children were shot, had a profound impact on the children's emotional state. They witnessed their father being injured, which caused them severe shock. The children exhibited violent reactions, which affected their behavior, social interactions, and academic performance.

How did the speaker help their children cope with the trauma?

The speaker used creative methods, such as organizing games at home with neighboring children, to help their children gradually regain their self-confidence. These activities helped the children become more sociable, and their academic performance improved as their confidence grew.

Why did the speaker shift to teaching at the elementary level?

The speaker decided to change to teaching at the elementary level because they felt unsupported by other teachers and educators in helping their children cope with trauma. They believed they could make a greater difference in addressing students' emotional needs in a more hands-on way.

How did the speaker approach teaching in a way that addressed the emotional needs of their students?

The speaker integrated psychological and social support into their teaching. As a teacher and counselor, they focused on the emotional and behavioral aspects of their students, especially those who had been affected by violence and trauma, offering a nurturing environment that encouraged personal growth.

What role did games and play have in the speaker's teaching strategy?

Games played a central role in the speaker's teaching strategy. They used games with rules and structures to engage students in group activities, which helped foster cooperation and a sense of belonging. Through play, students also learned life skills and improved their academic performance.

How did the speaker alter the curriculum to suit their students' needs?

The speaker adjusted the curriculum to cater to the emotional and social needs of their students, making it more accessible and relevant. This approach not only supported the students' academic growth but also helped in transforming their behavior and attitude toward learning.

What innovative techniques did the speaker use to motivate students?

The speaker employed creative motivational techniques, such as rewarding students based on their ethical behavior rather than just academic achievements. They introduced concepts like earning a 'treasure' for good behavior, which was designed to appeal to the students' sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

What was the impact of the speaker's teaching methods on the students?

The speaker's methods had a positive impact on the students. They reported improvements in students' academic performance and social behavior. The approach not only enhanced students' learning outcomes but also contributed to their emotional healing and personal development.

How did the speaker's approach affect other educators and the broader educational community?

The speaker's innovative teaching methods were so effective that they attracted the attention of other teachers, administrators, and supervisors. These professionals came to observe and learn from the speaker's approach, indicating a wider recognition of the importance of addressing students' emotional and behavioral needs in the classroom.

What message did the speaker convey to other educators, especially in conflict zones like Palestine?

The speaker emphasized the importance of teaching and education as powerful tools for change, especially in conflict zones like Palestine. They encouraged educators to focus on the emotional well-being of students, asserting that education is the key to overcoming the challenges and violence faced by children in such environments.