Power thoughts for teachers & students

This piece attempts to help empower those who need it with a few of the right thoughts and the rationale behind them.

Power thoughts

A basic definition would be to shape perceptions, influence emotions and drive actions therefore demonstrating the power of thoughts themselves. Cognitively speaking, our brains work overtime, apparently thinking up to 60,000 thoughts a day. When something torments us, whether it be anxiety in its many forms, which can feel overwhelming or crippling or other energy consuming. negative emotions, which are destructive and overpowering, then we need tools to help us cope.

Power thoughts for teachers

Experienced teachers can console themselves with the thought that they have been there and done that before more or less and no matter how difficult a situation within the classroom, he/ she will find a way to solve it and will get there in the end, however daunting or challenging it may seem at the time. Experience counts for a lot and shouldn’t be underestimated or discounted. By thinking in this way, the insurmountable becomes surmountable, the impossible seems possible and that’s all there is to it.

It may well be that a lack of appreciation is wearing you down. Perhaps the powers that be are not giving you a pat on the back or telling you what you want to hear; how you are a wonderful teacher and they can’t do without you, for example. It could be that the culture where you live and work is more of an individualistic society. Whatever the reason, you can take stock by remembering you are a great teacher, and they can’t do without you nor take that away from you. Your students may praise you from time to time which is probably an unexpected treat if and when it does happen, but in any case, be good to yourself and pat yourself on the back figuratively speaking. You can validate your own feelings as you know full well that you do a great job day in day out and that’s just how it is.

You want the best for your students even if they don’t seem to appreciate your hard work. You may be evaluated by them, which is always unpredictable and creates uncertainty in even the thickest-skinned educators, and, unfortunately, personal criticisms may even find their way in there. You are only human, you are not perfect. You can’t always react to everything in an ideal manner or show no emotion and grin and bear frustrations that you have to deal with. Sometimes, you are a one-man band, so to speak without any support when you could do with it. You need to deal with mini crises or problems as they arise and think on your feet. No wonder teachers get burn out. You have to protect yourself and perhaps with humour, which could be self-deprecating, eating a little humble pie, reaching out for help when you need it and taking a deep breath, your job will get a little easier.

Power thoughts for students

Language learners who feel insecure in groups will need praise and plenty of practice. One-on-one students have an advantage in terms of dealing with their insecurities, so the teacher can bridge the gap. Students can always empower themselves by being autonomous learners and taking the bull by the horns. Following advice from the trainer such as maximising exposure to the target language, being curious and looking up words, taking notes and even speaking English one day a week with colleagues or going to a country where they speak the L2. Reading, which will help improve their vocab and making sure there is lots of variety and interesting topics for them to get their teeth into. Aside from these things, it all boils down to their thoughts.

Be realistic. Although you won’t become the greatest linguist, you will, with hard work and effort, improve in all the areas you wish to. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It is a gradual process and it will be frustrating along the way. You need to make mistakes to learn from them and to find out what is wrong. Embrace this. If you’re hesitant to speak in front of colleagues, then ask yourself why you are all here in the same boat, with the same goal. Nobody judges you in a safe learning environment. Remember, we are all here to learn and need to learn from one another. So, when we correct writing, for instance, it’s not about who made the error, but we look at it together as something all the students can benefit from. If you work hard and have a positive attitude the teacher said you will be successful. After all, they should know what they are talking about. Look at the progress you have made, see how you make fewer mistakes and speak more confidently. Your efforts will pay off. Just give yourself a chance.