Section 2.2 Psychoanalytic theory

The educational implications of psychoanalytic theory highlight the importance of understanding learners’ emotional development, unconscious motivations and early experiences in shaping behaviour and learning. Here are key implications:

•    Understanding emotional needs: Teachers must be aware that students may have unconscious emotional conflicts affecting their learning and behaviour. Creating a supportive and safe classroom helps students feel secure and open to learning.

•    Importance of early experiences: The theory emphasizes that early experiences significantly impact later development. Early education should provide emotionally positive experiences to build a strong foundation.

•    Role of the teacher as a support figure: Teacher can be seen as authority or parental figures. Building trust and positive relationships helps students feel emotionally supported, especially those with difficult backgrounds.

•    Addressing behavioural problems: Misbehaviour may be a result of unresolved inner conflicts or unmet emotional needs rather than disobedience. Teachers should approach discipline with empathy and understanding.

•    Individual differences in learning: Since student has a unique psychological background, teachers should consider individual emotional and developmental differences rather than applying one size fits all methods.

•    Encouraging self-reflection: Encouraging students to reflect on their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours can promote emotional intelligence and personal growth.

•    Therapeutic interventions in schools: In some cases, psychoanalytic ideas support the use of school counselors or therapeutic techniques to help students cope with deep seated issues that hinder learning.