Question

• You are a middle school teacher at a school that witnessed a shooting incident last week. The perpetrator of the crime was a high school student of the same school system.
• How will you help students of your class cope with this situation?
• Be sure to consider their level of moral development in your discussion.
• Additionally, discuss their cognitive and socioemotional needs that you (their teacher) or the school system can help address.

Answer 1

In order to help the students cope up with such a situation, it is necessary to keep in mind the development level of the students and the emotional trauma that they would experience. Provide oppurtunities for the students to express their concerns and be open about the situation, providing information selectively which can benefit the students. Explain the incident to the students and allow them to assess whether it was acceptable or inappropriate. Allow them them to come up with causes why it would have happened without being judgemental. Once they have voiced their opinions, acknowledge their contribution and explain why it is not appropriate and can cause actual and potential damage. They are in their stage of moral Development where they can think abstractly and can develop their own moral code. The socioemotional needs that the teacher and the school system must address includes clarifying assumptions on how to act in a situation and how something is right or wrong. Contextual behavior management and counselling support must be provided with regard for their beliefs and concerns. Psychological support and speaking openly about the revolving issues must be Encouraged in order to prevent themselves from putting themselves in dangerous situations .