Trauma-informed learning is an approach to teaching that takes into account the experiences of trauma that many students have experienced.
This approach recognizes the impact of trauma on students’ ability to learn and succeed in school and works to create a safe and supportive environment that can help students heal and thrive.
People are social creatures by nature. We have a social nature. Our inclination is to engage in social interaction and establish bonds with others.
Additionally, our circuitry for survival keeps us on the lookout for warning signs that a connection can be harmful, such as the prevalence of conflict and disagreement.
By replacing patterns of connection with patterns of safety and survival, trauma reduces a person’s capacity for connection.
It is more difficult to resolve disputes when trauma survivors view the world through a survival lens and perceive risks where none may exist.
If they wish to teach, train, or educate, all educators must have a certain competence in trauma-informed practice.
A Better Understanding of Trauma Inspires to Look Deeper
Every teacher has dealt with a challenging student at some point or another. They are the kids that won’t stop being unpleasant, picking on their classmates, and driving their teachers crazy.
We’ve all seen them. Many of us have also had the pleasure of interacting with kids who, despite their best efforts, struggled to focus or improve their academic performance.
Knowing about trauma enables us to see what motivates our students’ behaviours and recognize that many undesirable behaviours result from intense suffering.
When conflicts or disruptive students develop, knowing the basics of trauma and its impacts might help you avoid looking for answers. You’ll gain knowledge and the skills necessary to approach issues head-on and productively. Here are a few instances:
- Trauma-informed training teaches us how to establish solid, trusting connections with our students so they won’t sustain further injury and may flourish in a supportive setting.
- We can defuse stressful circumstances and confrontations by being trauma-informed. If you know that a child is experiencing verbal abuse at home, you may carefully choose your words since you will understand what causes the abuse.
- Because of our experience with trauma, we are a resource for our community.
- There is a misperception that those who have observed or experienced violent conflict, horrifying crimes, or abuse are the only ones who can be affected by trauma. However, even if our kids’ experiences weren’t quite as traumatic, it’s still feasible that they could be displaying PTSD symptoms.
Understanding how past trauma affects our present will help you become a valued community member since you will be a dependable instructor for your students.
You’ll be able to establish a reputation for being a trustworthy someone who listens without jumping to conclusions.
If we have a solid grasp of trauma and are mentally literate, we can better appreciate how our traumatic experiences have affected us.
Before you can effectively assist others, you must be able to deal with your prior traumas and triggers; otherwise, you run the risk of jeopardizing the people whose care you have been entrusted with.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in discovering more, you might want to enroll in a trauma-informed counselling course or speak with licensed or certified experts. People are complex, so therapists and counsellors need training as you learn more about this topic. Empathy training is a critical component of trauma-informed education. You should try to see the many advantages it offers you and your students.
The Gwizhii Institute of Learning focuses on Indigenous Reconciliation, Dispute Resolution Procedures, and Trauma-Informed Practice. We approach our work via a trauma-informed and culturally aware lens. For learning, healing, and reconciliation to take place, we create safe spaces. Create opportunities for transformative learning today!