Poisonous pedagogy

Alright kiddo, have you ever had a teacher who makes you feel scared or small even when you try your best? That feeling is what poisonous pedagogy is all about. It is a way of teaching that makes you feel bad about yourself instead of helping you grow and learn.

Poisonous pedagogy happens when a teacher, parent or anyone in a position of authority uses fear, guilt, or shame as a way of motivating or controlling someone. For example, when a teacher yells, threatens punishment, or compares a child's performance with others, it can make the child feel sad, anxious, or hopeless.

Sometimes, the person in authority might make the child feel like they are not good enough, and that they are responsible for their own failure. This can damage a child's self-esteem, making it harder for them to learn and feel confident in themselves.

Poisonous pedagogy can also happen in a family where parents constantly criticize and put down their children. This can make the child feel like they are not loved, and it can lead to low self-esteem, depression or anxiety.

So, remember kiddo, a good teacher or parent will always make you feel loved and positively motivated to learn and grow. They will never make you feel bad about yourself or compare you to others. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the way someone is treating you, make sure you talk to a trusted adult about it.