KOLEJ DISTED-STAMFORD NEWS
3 May 2008

De-stressing teachers

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Unhealthy stress cannot be avoided in life but it can be managed to minimise its ill-effects on one’s well-being. 

“Think positive! Consciously decide on what should effect your emotions, and learn to detect the onset of stress,” said Kolej Disted-Stamford senior lecturer in engineering, Ahmad Taiff Isahak.  

SMJK Sacred Heart teachers, including principal Cheng Lye Sen (left), at the stress management workshop conducted by DISTED senior lecturer Ahmad Taiff Isahak (right).

He was at SMJK Sacred Heart in Balik Pulau conducting a stress management workshop for teachers. 

Over 70 teachers including the school’s principal Cheng Lye Sen attended the workshop held on 3 May 2008 as part of their professional development programme. 

“Poor communication, between superiors and subordinates, teachers and students and even among teachers themselves, is a contributing factor to stress in schools,” Taiff said. 

“Investing in skills training in communication, counselling and psychology can greatly reduce misunderstanding that causes distress,” advised Taiff. 

“You need to understand that the well-being of your school – this workplace that you’ve poured your heart and soul into – is directly linked to the well-being of each and every one of you,” he said. 

The teachers in a group activity at the workshop on combating stress.

Sharing a fun moment when presenting their views on the "Global School" during the poster-making competition.

Taiff used various group activities to demonstrate the typical stressful situations in schools and how they could be better resolved. 

Among them were a poster-making competition to promote the school as a “Global School” and a hilarious drama session participated by all the teachers. 

Time management skills are also important to tackle stress, Taiff said. 

“You can reduce stress considerably by making time work for you,” he told the participants. 

“Keep a record of the time you’ve spent in doing every activity during the day. Only by knowing where you’ve spent your time can you hope to optimise this most precious of resources,” he said. 

“Master time management or you’ll be enslaved by it!” he warned.

Learning de-stressing strategies the fun way through drama.