How to Prevent Student Strikes in School: A Guide for Teachers

This article provides some guidance for teachers who want to avoid student strikes or demonstrations in school. Student strikes are a form of protest that can disrupt the normal functioning and reputation of the school. They can also pose risks to the safety and well-being of the students and staff. Therefore, teachers should take proactive measures to prevent student strikes from happening. The article recommends the following measures:

Provide guidance and counselling.

One of the roles of teachers is to offer guidance and counselling to their students regularly, especially if they observe any indications of unhappiness or frustration among them. Guidance and counselling can assist students in dealing with their personal, academic, or social issues and deter them from engaging in violent or rebellious behaviours. Some of the methods that teachers can employ for guidance and counselling are:

• Reminding them of their history and/or background, if necessary (but not in a way that will make them sensitive),
• Listening to their concerns and grievances empathetically
• Offering advice and solutions that are realistic and beneficial
• Referring them to other professionals or resources if needed

Improve communication

Effective communication is essential for teachers to perform their roles well. By communicating clearly and frequently, teachers can learn about their students' needs and expectations, as well as keep them updated on the school's policies and decisions. Communication can also help teachers deal with any conflicts or disputes that may arise among students or between students and staff. Here are some of the ways that teachers can improve communication:

• Holding regular class meetings or forums where students can express their opinions or suggestions
• Using suggestion boxes where students can write their feedback anonymously
• Responding to students’ queries or complaints promptly and respectfully
• Collaborating with other teachers or administrators to address any issues or concerns

Ensure fair and reasonable fees.

The school should charge the students fair and reasonable fees that reflect the quality and quantity of the services and facilities it offers. The school should also inform the students about the fee structure and distribution and how they support the school's and the students' interests. The school should also communicate any fee changes or hikes and justify them with valid reasons.

Treat all students equally.

All students deserve equal treatment from teachers, no matter their age, gender, tribe, religion, or physical condition. Teachers should avoid any discrimination or favouritism towards any group of students because this can cause feelings of unfairness or bitterness among the students. Teachers should also encourage diversity and inclusion among the students and help them learn to respect and value each other’s differences.

Enforce school rules and regulations.

Consistent and firm enforcement of the school rules and regulations is the duty of teachers, who should avoid being either too harsh or too lenient. Teachers should also communicate the reasons and outcomes of the rules and regulations to the students and ensure their comprehension and compliance. Teachers should also apply suitable sanctions for any infractions or violations of the rules and regulations without being either too severe or too arbitrary.

 

Know your students by name.

Learning students' names is an important skill for teachers, as it can foster a positive and trusting relationship with them. It can also enable teachers to keep track of their students' attendance and achievement and to notice any issues or conflicts that might arise. Some strategies for learning students' names are:

• Asking them to introduce themselves at the beginning of the term
• Calling them by name during class activities or interactions
• Using name tags or cards for identification
• Reviewing their names regularly

Be friendly with your students.

A positive and supportive learning environment can be fostered by teachers who are friendly with their students. Friendly teachers can also shape their students’ behaviour and attitude in a positive way and protect them from falling into negative peer groups or movements. Some ways that teachers can be friendly with their students are:

• Greeting them warmly and smiling at them
• Showing interest in their lives and hobbies
• Praising them for their achievements and efforts
• I joke with them occasionally

Anticipate potential problems.

To avoid student strikes, teachers should identify and resolve any issues that might cause them, such as fees, facilities, curriculum, staff, etc. Teachers should also monitor any signs of planned strikes or demonstrations among the students. Teachers should then act proactively to prevent these situations from turning violent or chaotic.
 

These are some of the measures that teachers can take to prevent student strikes in school. However, these measures are not foolproof or guaranteed, as student strikes may still occur due to unforeseen circumstances or factors. Therefore, teachers should also be prepared to deal with student strikes if they happen by following the appropriate protocols and procedures of the school.