Teacher says upper secondary school must teach students to think

Viimsi Upper Secondary School history and civics teacher Reesi Kuslap says the most important skill schools can give students is the ability to think, ERR reported. She made the remarks in an interview with Vikerraadio’s Vikerhommik programme.

Kuslap, who has taught for 13 years, said teachers also need to learn how to protect themselves from burnout, particularly during their first years in the profession.

“My third year was the worst. I thought I was a capable teacher, took on more work and became a class teacher,” Kuslap recalled. At the time, she worked at another school. The pressures included students’ social and family problems, as well as health issues that caused sleep difficulties.

She now considers the ability to say no essential. After having a child, Kuslap began working fewer hours because her health could not withstand her previous workload and she had less time available. This also meant a lower salary.

“I have had to accept with a heavy heart that I am capable of doing more work, but I have to think about myself and my child,” she said. “You have to be self-aware and look after yourself. You have to stand up for yourself.”

Viimsi Upper Secondary School has a mentoring programme for new teachers. An experienced teacher observes their lessons, meets with them and discusses their work with them.

The school also devotes the first week to helping new students settle in. Particular attention is given to 10th-grade students so they can get to know one another. Students in the 11th and 12th grades take part in an outing, orienteering games, a quiz and performances. The school also holds an academic organisation day and a sports day.

Kuslap said the ability to think was especially important in a world where information was available at the click of a button. Teachers are also trying to deal with artificial intelligence, which students often turn to first when completing schoolwork.

Although upper secondary students understand that they will not develop if they do not complete assignments themselves, Kuslap said they still often choose the easier option. The school is also addressing mobile phone use by installing phone holders in classrooms, where students can store their devices together.