Educators' experiences of using metaphorical exploration for managing anger in the schools
Date
2018-07-24
Authors
Leseho, Johanna
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Abstract
This study explored educators' experiences of discovering and
exploring their metaphors of anger in the schools. Through a
visualization and interviews with the researcher, personal metaphors
were identified and, in some cases, altered by the participants.
Research participants were then asked to describe their experiences
of trying to remain conscious of their metaphors while engaging with
angry students. The researcher also examined any changes which the
participants identified in the attitudes and behaviours of themselves
or their students.
The process of uncovering and examining one's metaphors as a
means of anger management in the schools appears to have been
effective for those who participated in this study. By becoming
conscious of their metaphorical images of the students, these
educators were able to detach themselves emotionally from angry
outbursts and alter their views of themselves from that of observers
to active agents for change. Uncovering and exploring metaphorical
images drew compassion from some educators that had been lost for
particular children. They began to look at how they might be
reinforcing the children's anger. The participants reported that
modifying their own behaviours they were able to reshape those of
their students, reducing the intensity of anger in their classrooms
and transforming the atmosphere to one which was more relaxed
and peaceful.
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Keywords
Behavior modification, Students, Psychology, Metaphor