Trauma Informed Instruction

By: Sam Johnson

What is Trauma?

An important part about teaching students that have been affected by trauma and the different types of trauma. It is important that students are dealt in a professional and delicate manor, by those who are trained properly. The following video will give a in depth look at what trauma is defined as.

Lesson Objectives

Three Learning Targets

Define the term trauma informed instruction.
Explain the importance of trauma informed instruction.
Give examples of how trauma informed instruction is used in the classroom.

What is trauma informed instruction?

Trauma-informed instruction is a form of teaching that takes into consideration the way trauma impacts a student’s ability to learn or behave during the learning process. One of the most common misconceptions is that trauma-informed instruction is about fixing kids, but in actuality it is about creating a system that is personalized for students who are neglected in a “normal” instruction setting (Portell & Steele, 2019). Trauma informed instruction is the way one teaches so they do not negatively impact and potentially worsen the effects of a student’s trauma(Avery et al, 2020). While there are ways to fix or overcome trauma, that is not the goal of trauma informed instruction, the goal is to teach students in a way that allows them to learn that doesn’t emotionally impact or harm the student.

Why is trauma informed instruction important?

With previous generations of education and schooling, it was a sink or swim, with only children with extreme cases or needs that were given the extra help they needed. Some people weren’t given the proper treatment, and thus their view on education was most likely negatively impacted due to the fact that they did not have a strong relationship with their teachers (Portell & Steele, 2019).With a nourishing and stable environment for kids to learn, they are much more likely to achieve their goals and work(Avery et al, 2020).

What is an example of trauma informed instruction?

There are many ways of creating instructions that are beneficial to those who are impacted by trauma. To figure out the needs of the student you have to figure out what exactly you are dealing with. The way educators find out is ACE score, this it is not the only deciding factor, but more of a broad idea of what they are like (Portell & Steele, 2019). The Colorado Department of Education lists a couple great examples such as trauma leadership teams, setting time oriented goals for students, and planning operational elements(Colorado Department Of Education, n.d.).

Conclusion

In conclusion, children with traumatic experiences are something that we need to not only be aware of but also something that we should be striving to perfect. With society becoming more and more progressive, we need to find ways to help those who have been impacted by trauma. The work done with trauma students is to form a relationship, so we can help them succeed, just as we would with any other student(Portell & Steele, 2019). The goal is to support the students' social needs, and any other needs that qualify for them, to help them achieve their goals(Colorado Department Of Education, n.d.).

References

Avery, J., Morris, H., Galvin, E., Misso, M., Savaglio, M., & Skouteris, H. (2020). Systematic Review of School-Wide Trauma-Informed Approaches. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 14(3), 381-397.

Colorado Department Of Education. (n.d.). Trauma-Informed Education Strategy Guide | CDE. Colorado Department of Education. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from

https://www.cde.state.co.us/uip/trauma-informed-strategy-guide

Portell, M., & Steele, M. (2019, December 16). What Is Trauma-Informed Education. Edutopia. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/understanding-trauma-informed-education

Crosby, S. D., Howell, P., & Thomas, S. (2018). Social justice education through trauma-informed teaching. Middle School Journal, 49(4), 15–23. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.odu.edu/10.1080/00940771.2018.1488470

Souers, K., & Hall, P. (2021, June 8). Trauma-Informed Teaching Tips for Classroom & Online Educators. Resilient Educator. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/trauma-informed-teaching-tips/

De Luna, R. (2019, January 23). What is Trauma-Informed Care? YouTube. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWken5DsJcw

Trauma Healing Institute. (2021, January 29). What is Trauma? YouTube. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ5D4-OYpxo

Questions

How do teachers figure out the needs of trauma students?

A. Through the ACE test alone.

B. Thought the ACE test and the personal needs of the child.

C. Through the personal needs of the child alone.

D. None of the above.

What is trauma informed instruction?

A. A form of teaching that takes into consideration the way trauma impacts a student’s ability to learn or behave during the learning process.

B. Instruction done through trauma induced teaching.

C. The use of negative reinforcement to teach a child.

D. All of the above.

Answers:

Question 1: B

Question 2: A

Page updated

Report abuse