IGCSE Psychology & Sociology Courses by Walaa Mohamed

As an educator for the past 20 years, I have seen how trauma can profoundly affect children’s lives.

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the impact of trauma on children’s education, especially when thinking about the kids in Gaza. These children face unimaginable hardships war, loss of family members, and constant violence. It’s heartbreaking to consider how these experiences might shape their development and learning.

When we talk about trauma, we often think of the emotional pain it causes. But it’s important to understand that trauma also affects the brain’s development, especially in children. Trauma can change how the brain functions, making it harder for children to learn and manage their emotions.

Three key areas of the brain are particularly affected by trauma: the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala, which helps us process emotions like fear, can become overactive due to trauma. This makes children more sensitive to perceived threats, causing them to feel anxious or fearful even in safe situations. The hippocampus, which is essential for learning and memory, can shrink and become less effective when exposed to prolonged stress. This can make it difficult for children to remember what they’ve learned or to concentrate in class. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and self-control, can also be affected by trauma, leading to problems with focus, impulse control, and decision-making.

These brain changes help explain why children who have experienced trauma often struggle with self-confidence and academic performance. They might find it hard to trust others, feel secure, or believe in their abilities. In the classroom, these challenges can show up as trouble paying attention, remembering lessons, or participating in activities. The emotional toll of trauma can make learning a daunting task.

As educators, we have a crucial role in supporting these students. It’s important to create a safe, predictable environment where children feel secure and valued. Building strong, trusting relationships is key.

We must show empathy, listen to them, and validate their feelings. Teaching emotional regulation skills, like deep breathing or mindfulness, can help children manage their emotions. Providing additional academic support and creating a supportive classroom community can also make a big difference.

Thinking about the children of Gaza, I am reminded of the importance of understanding and compassion. These kids, like many others around the world, need our support to overcome the trauma they’ve experienced. Whether through direct support, advocacy, or simply being aware and compassionate, we all have a role to play in helping these children heal and thrive.

الحمد لله 🤲🤲

Recently, I have been working on a research projects on effective communication strategies. 🗣️

This project indeed showed the shift from working individually to working in a group and how we should be flexible enough to be able to work in both conditions.

Personally, I prefer working alone, but it was through this presentation and older seminars I attended that I learned I could shift my mindset to match working with others. It’s the commitment given by those in your team that helps you succeed.

It is definitely not easy, especially that not everyone will be willing to put enough effort as you do when working together, but we can also learn from each other and find ways to develop our skills. The clearer the plan we set and the goals, the better the outcome.

I believe that it’s an essential skill to be able to communicate with different groups of people. For me, I can see this being applied when dealing with diverse students, parents, and even my team and colleagues. 📌

Adapting the strategy according to the person is key here, and it is not just about making conversation; it goes deeper than this and includes the image you portray, how you advertise yourself, and your brand.

What do you think of this? Do you think you can work in teams? Share your thoughts with me in the comments ☺️

الحمد لله 🤲

Another presentation topic that I believe is very important and rarely spoken about in Egypt is resilience, even though multiple researchers in Australia and Canada have discussed it before. 🇦🇺🇨🇦

John Kabat-Zinn once said, ‘’You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf,’’ to which Michael Ungar beautifully added: ‘’But… it’s easier to learn to surf if you have a surfboard, a coach, and a lifeguard’’.

Reflecting on how Ungar added to the quote, we can relate it to our everyday life.

No one’s life is perfect and free from trouble or adverse circumstances. Most of the time, these situations affect us, but by using the proper resources and support, we can learn to navigate the hardships and become resilient. 💪🏻

⭐️ Resilience is an individual’s ability to cope with adversities using the correct resources. ⭐️

Witnessing current circumstances happening in the world, it’s extremely important to familiarise ourselves with the concept of resilience.

Some people have higher risk factors, which put them more at risk of failing in education and life, than protective factors, which help them cope with the negativity in their life.

Many negative experiences affect students, and as teachers, we must have a role in helping them cope so that what they’re going through doesn’t severely affect their psychological health as well as their studies and to show them they are not alone and that they are seen and heard. ❤️

I believe that this concept needs to be shared more, especially during the difficult times Egypt is facing right now financially, which definitely affected and is still affecting many families. 😔

This concept is truly one of the topics that raised my curiosity, and I am interested in digging more and investigating deeper about it, and sharing it with everyone.

Let me know in the comments what you think about the concept of resilience!

"Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." (Pierson, 2013).

One of my latest research presentations was on classroom management techniques. 👩‍🏫

I found many different ones that are applied in classes based on theories and research, not just common sense or experience, and I learnt their importance as a teacher as they have the full power to either support a student to be successful or push them to failure. As demonstrated in the tree diagram in the comments, classroom management covers different branches in a class and student to foster a positive learning environment for all students regardless of their background. 🌳

This is especially needed when working with teens as they are in a transitional period with tendencies to disobey authority while they search for their identity, and they need our support during this time to become independent and successful individuals.

I’m still working to diversify and broaden my expertise in the field, as it is essential to develop and match the current standards constantly. It was genuinely refreshing to renew my knowledge. 📝 🔬

رسائل السعاده ☺️💗

سنرحل ويبقى الأثر🤲🤲

June 2023

Nothing can be done without my great team

Thank you

The Power of Resilience

I believe that we need to teach ourselves and new generations the true meaning of Resilience

‘’It is not about feeling good , it’s about knowing what to do when things go wrong ‘‘



Resilience is about
Maturation
Growth
Learning
Becoming Wiser

Education Now: The Power of Resilience As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftereffects of isolation, stress, fear, and sadness are sure to linger. How can we fortify ourselves to grapple...

What great timing for the British Council to inform us that a student won the achievers award for top in country?🧐

Two years after the session is the correct answer!🤩

One of my students, Elzahraa Salama, from the November 2020 session just got informed that she won the top of the country, Kuwait, in Sociology OL 🎉

Well, it’s never too late to celebrate, as proven by the British Council, and I’m so proud of her and all of the achievers that came before and after her.

I watched her development and hard work throughout the session and I’m so happy this has paid off and that you’re having fun in the university you enrolled in ❤️

Continue to work hard and with passion my dear students and I hope this acts as a motivation for you to reach beyond your limits!

And I’ll always keep saying that these humanities subjects will always be eye-opening and a way to be informed about people and society in different ways.

Today we are celebrating World Mental Health day 2022, and as the World Health Organization (WHO) launches a campaign around the theme of “Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority” , we wish to continue to spread awareness regarding the significance of mental health & well-being.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimate of one in eight people globally were struggling with a mental disorder, and yet a social stigma remains persistent, undermining the mental health of millions.

This global crisis has led to some serious, long-term effects, and together, we can reach a world in which mental health is valued, acknowledged, and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy a stable state of being, and has access to the mental health care they need.

And so, here are ten tips to help boost your mental health:

1. Surround yourself with good people
(Being around positive energy will most likely result in lower levels of stress.)

2. Stay physically active
(Our minds and bodies are connected, try and fit some movement into each day where you can.)

3. Learn something new
(Doesn’t need to be anything major, studies show that even the slightest new skills fuel self-confidence, therefore elevating your mood.)

4. Get close to nature
(Vitamin D from sunlight can improve your mood, and connecting with nature tends to help you feel grounded.)

5. Be kind to those around you
(Treat others how you would like to be treated)

6. Make time for the activities that you enjoy
(It’s important to take a moment and partake in something you find meaningful from time to time.)

7. Talk to someone you trust
(Talking to a willing family member, friend, or colleague can improve your mood substantially.)

8. Participate in voluntary work
(Volunteering teaches valuable skills, provides a sense of purpose, and offers a way to connect with new people.)

9. Set realistic goals
(Decide the things you want to achieve in your life. This can increase motivation, and therefore result in a better mental state.)

10. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help
(Start the conversation! Reduce the stigma!)


Sources:
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World Health Organization
(https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/how-we-work/pacific-support/news/detail/07-10-2021-6-ways-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health-and-well-being-this-world-mental-health-day)
University of Michigan (https://uhs.umich.edu/tenthings)
MedlinePlus (https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html)

We’re hiring!

Are you interested in contributing to teaching in the prestige psychology department for academic purposes, and supporting other students across the syllabus? 🧐📝

You’re in luck! We are looking for a teacher assistant *(TA)* to hire for working on the Psychology course. 🤩

If you:
- Are a former Sociology OL /AL or Psychology AL student of mine who scored _no less than an A._
- Are a graduate with a _high GPA_ degree in the major of Psychology.
- Have the ability to show _creativity and innovation._
- Are willing to help out students no matter their level and will treat them all _patiently._
- Are good at using _Office programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint._
- Are _fluent in English_; having an _IELTS score of 7.5 or above._

Then you’re qualified to apply! 🥰

You’ll be engaging in supporting the teaching process, correcting assignments, and having some administrative tasks to conduct as well. 📝

You’ll be under academic supervision and training for a while, until you’re hired and well prepared to officially join our team. 👀

This is a great opportunity for some teaching experience at the higher education level, for it’s a way of learning new skills! 🤓

If you’re interested to apply, kindly submit your CV to my Email: [email protected]

Waiting for your CVs 🌸

My Dear Students ,

Ramadan Kareem to you and your families❤️🌙

Ramadan has always been the month of blessings and so may this holy month grant you everything you wish for. May you prosper and thrive in it⭐️

Only few weeks are left for the exam and so now is the time to do the best that you can so you can be proud later. Now is the time to be organized, exert effort and work hard. Whatever you didn’t do in the past months, you can still do it now in these days, so i hope each and everyone of you seizes the opportunity, and hopefully you all become A* students. 💫

Now is your chance, take it!✨

قلبي وجعني عليك ياحبيبي
كنا لسه بنتكلم

بخالص الحزن والاسى
وبقلوب راضيه بقضاء الله وقدرة
نتقدم بخالص العزاء والمواساة في وفاة
الطالب/محمد وليد عبد اللطيف بgrade 12
بالمدرسة الأوروبية بالإسكندرية، طالب في مادة الsociology
نسأل الله للفقيد الرحمه وللأسرة الصبر والسلوان
وان يربط على قلوبهم .

اللهم اغفر له وارحمه وعافه واعف عنه وأكرم نزله ووسع مدخله واغسله بالماء والثلج والبرد ونقه من الخطايا كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس .
نسالكم الفاتحه والدعاء 🤲🤲