The importance of Inclusion
(An Introduction to Systemic Pedagogy)
The public education system in Puerto Rico has a lot of assets. We have a big budget (about $4 billions/year). We have excellent teachers (with some issues). We have very good students (smart kids with a lot of potential). A lot of the parents are concerned about their kids (and willing to fight for them). The PR Department of Education has over 1,000 campuses (some schools have better infrastructure than others). We are eligible for competitive proposals from the US Department of Education, and other entities and government agencies.
Thousands of students get educated every day. We need to be grateful for what we have. However, there are many areas of opportunities (ways where we can improve).
What is the first thing that pops in your head when you think about the PR Department of Education?
A lot of people think about bureaucracy, politics, overworked/overwhelmed/underpaid teachers, not enough school supplies, unhappy parents (or parents who just don’t care), bad results on the standardized tests, high dropout rates (desersion escolar), among other issues.
The obvious question is:
What went wrong? What is not working?
Or most important: What can we do about it?
Keep reading. We are going to talk about that.
As part of my quest, I studied in Mexico, several courses in Systemic Pedagogy, following the CUDEC-Hellinger approach. A few school directors have implemented this theory and have excellent results. Some of the students that used to be violent, are no longer attacking. Students who failed to pay attention are now very attentive and responsible. Parents are engaged (on a healthy way) on the education of their kids. The teachers are strong, rested and engaged on their profession/vocation. Special education students are more present on the classrooms. One of the directors was named “Director of the Year in 2017” by the PR Department of Education.
The Theory behind Systemic Pedagogy:
First, we need to know that there is a lot more than what we can see. We can only perceive the tip of the iceberg. The rest is on the subconscious level.
By ignoring (subconscious) important issues, we are allowing them to control us. We tend to think that ignoring an issue will make it disappear, but is the opposite, it makes it bigger. The repressed energy and resentment will take over us and control us while we don't even notice it. That's why we do stupid things and we don’t even know why (will talk more about that).
Our Kids:
There is something worse. Our kids are very perceptive, and they also take on the energy of the unresolved issues that we have not acknowledged nor resolved. Our issues affect our kids. That is why they act in ways that don’t make any sense. There is a systemic explanation of why bullying happens, along with vandalism, depression, bad grades, etc.
Expanding our vision:
We need to look beyond what is in front of us, in order to overcome certain patters and behaviors. How do we do that? Keep reading!
This work is done with a lot of compassion and love. We are not judging anyone. We are not dealing with bad people. We are all wonderful people who really care about our children. We are all doing our best.
We might not always agree with each other, and that is when conflict arises. Our egos take over. “Am going to fight for the rights of our kids (or our teachers, or the education system, or the school that is about to shut down, etc)”. “I know what is best for him/her and don’t mind spilling blood for a good cause”.
Well, there is a problem with that!
Our kids love us (all of us). When there is a conflict between us, they have to pick a side. They have to betray someone they love (either one of their parents, their teacher, counselor, etc). They don’t like that. They will resent it. They will act accordingly.
We will never understand the behavior of an erratic child unless we can see what is really going on. We need to look at their background, and what they are going through.
When the parents and the teachers are fighting each other, the kids have to chose a side. They will usually side with the parents (and block/ignore what the teacher is trying to teach them). There is no harmony. The kids do not want to be on the middle of that conflict. That is eventually going to cause discipline problems. Everybody means well but are causing a problem (unwillingly).
Another typical (unintentional) problem is that while we are fighting for our children, we forget to give the kids the attention that they really need. We forget to look and attend our kids because we are "fighting for them".
Once we all become aware at the problem, we can look at it differently. In many cases, a resolution is going to happen automatically. Now the parents and teachers can create alliances in order to support the child. Now they can look at the child’s real needs and give the attention that the child needs.
Family problems:
A happy family is the main source of joy (and life) for a kid.
When there are problems between the parents, the kids feel guilty and will be willing to do anything to put his/her family back together. It can be traumatic for the child. He/she can see the end of his/her life as he/she knows it.
Kids are extremely concerned. Their attention is at home, not in the classroom. What do the kids care about math or science when his family life is about to end? (according to the child’s perception).
We can expect that child to have academic problems as well as discipline problems (needs a way to vent the anger/fear/resentment). Also, the kids know that the parents will have to team up in order to deal with his discipline problems.
What is the teacher going to do about it?
The teacher gets frustrated because is unable to get the student’s attention. Will try to discipline the child. Will try to get the parent’s attention as well. Nothing seems to work.
Well the student is overwhelmed with the situation at home. When the teacher puts more pressure (with the best intention) the situation is going to get worse. When the parents get involved, the family problems get even more stressed. Now the kid’s guilt keeps growing. Everyone’s frustration keeps growing. Is a vicious cycle.
What can we do about it?
By becoming aware of the real problem, the teachers, the parents, counselors, etc can handle the situation on a different way. They can choose to release the child from the parent’s problems and assure him/her that both of the parents will always love him/her regardless of what happen to their marriage. They can give space and support to the child to process the emotions and allow the child to relax. It is going to be a relief for everyone involved (including parents and teachers).
Acknowledging the child’s needs
The school system means well, but they forget to look at the child and make an attempt to meet the real needs.
What about the teachers?
Teachers also tend to be overwhelmed on a modern school system. There is a lot of work to do, and not a lot of support nor resources available for them. They fear the parents that are always questioning them. They might not agree with a lot of the procedures from the Department of Education. They are not allowed to be themselves, so they feel weak (castrated). They are also resentful. Is hard for some them to connect with the vision/vocation that made them become teachers in the first place. They are doing their best, but very often, is not enough.
Every day they need to show up to work and pretend to be good in front of the children. However, children are perceptive and will not buy they fake smile. They are going to perceive that the teacher is not being honest, and stop paying attention.
The teachers also need to expand their range of vision and look at the big picture. They need to remember why they are going to school. They need to focus on the students and their life vocation. The conflicts, politics, bureaucracy, etc are very real, but they shall not be the main focus on their careers. They also need to find ways to support each other.
Teachers need to know that they are on an eternal spiritual walk, and that they are evolving with every situation that they face every day. They need to know that things are never going to be perfect, and that they are indeed perfect with all the imperfections. They need to get support as they have something heavy on top of their shoulders, and don’t necessarily have the resources to achieve it. They also need to know that what they have to offer is perfect. Is ok to be angry frustrated, confused, etc. We are all human beings trying to do our best. What we are doing is out of love. That is enough.
The systemic pedagogy is not a book with guidelines. Is more a way of life when we accept the things the way they are (not how we want them to be), acknowledge them, give thanks, and look for ways to make them better. Systemic facilitators have ways to look at the situation within a wider perspective and allow the vision to expand, allowing the resolution to expand by itself.
A Systemic Pedagogy facilitator can really help you achieve your goals in school. You can also consider doing Family Constellations in order to deal with you personal issues (that is going to help you become a better teacher, parent, director, etc).
Attached is a radio interview (in Spanish) with one of the creators of the CUDEC-Hellinger Systemic Pedagogy methodology, when she came to Puerto Rico.
(An Introduction to Systemic Pedagogy)
The public education system in Puerto Rico has a lot of assets. We have a big budget (about $4 billions/year). We have excellent teachers (with some issues). We have very good students (smart kids with a lot of potential). A lot of the parents are concerned about their kids (and willing to fight for them). The PR Department of Education has over 1,000 campuses (some schools have better infrastructure than others). We are eligible for competitive proposals from the US Department of Education, and other entities and government agencies.
Thousands of students get educated every day. We need to be grateful for what we have. However, there are many areas of opportunities (ways where we can improve).
What is the first thing that pops in your head when you think about the PR Department of Education?
A lot of people think about bureaucracy, politics, overworked/overwhelmed/underpaid teachers, not enough school supplies, unhappy parents (or parents who just don’t care), bad results on the standardized tests, high dropout rates (desersion escolar), among other issues.
The obvious question is:
What went wrong? What is not working?
Or most important: What can we do about it?
Keep reading. We are going to talk about that.
As part of my quest, I studied in Mexico, several courses in Systemic Pedagogy, following the CUDEC-Hellinger approach. A few school directors have implemented this theory and have excellent results. Some of the students that used to be violent, are no longer attacking. Students who failed to pay attention are now very attentive and responsible. Parents are engaged (on a healthy way) on the education of their kids. The teachers are strong, rested and engaged on their profession/vocation. Special education students are more present on the classrooms. One of the directors was named “Director of the Year in 2017” by the PR Department of Education.
The Theory behind Systemic Pedagogy:
First, we need to know that there is a lot more than what we can see. We can only perceive the tip of the iceberg. The rest is on the subconscious level.
By ignoring (subconscious) important issues, we are allowing them to control us. We tend to think that ignoring an issue will make it disappear, but is the opposite, it makes it bigger. The repressed energy and resentment will take over us and control us while we don't even notice it. That's why we do stupid things and we don’t even know why (will talk more about that).
Our Kids:
There is something worse. Our kids are very perceptive, and they also take on the energy of the unresolved issues that we have not acknowledged nor resolved. Our issues affect our kids. That is why they act in ways that don’t make any sense. There is a systemic explanation of why bullying happens, along with vandalism, depression, bad grades, etc.
Expanding our vision:
We need to look beyond what is in front of us, in order to overcome certain patters and behaviors. How do we do that? Keep reading!
This work is done with a lot of compassion and love. We are not judging anyone. We are not dealing with bad people. We are all wonderful people who really care about our children. We are all doing our best.
We might not always agree with each other, and that is when conflict arises. Our egos take over. “Am going to fight for the rights of our kids (or our teachers, or the education system, or the school that is about to shut down, etc)”. “I know what is best for him/her and don’t mind spilling blood for a good cause”.
Well, there is a problem with that!
Our kids love us (all of us). When there is a conflict between us, they have to pick a side. They have to betray someone they love (either one of their parents, their teacher, counselor, etc). They don’t like that. They will resent it. They will act accordingly.
We will never understand the behavior of an erratic child unless we can see what is really going on. We need to look at their background, and what they are going through.
When the parents and the teachers are fighting each other, the kids have to chose a side. They will usually side with the parents (and block/ignore what the teacher is trying to teach them). There is no harmony. The kids do not want to be on the middle of that conflict. That is eventually going to cause discipline problems. Everybody means well but are causing a problem (unwillingly).
Another typical (unintentional) problem is that while we are fighting for our children, we forget to give the kids the attention that they really need. We forget to look and attend our kids because we are "fighting for them".
Once we all become aware at the problem, we can look at it differently. In many cases, a resolution is going to happen automatically. Now the parents and teachers can create alliances in order to support the child. Now they can look at the child’s real needs and give the attention that the child needs.
Family problems:
A happy family is the main source of joy (and life) for a kid.
When there are problems between the parents, the kids feel guilty and will be willing to do anything to put his/her family back together. It can be traumatic for the child. He/she can see the end of his/her life as he/she knows it.
Kids are extremely concerned. Their attention is at home, not in the classroom. What do the kids care about math or science when his family life is about to end? (according to the child’s perception).
We can expect that child to have academic problems as well as discipline problems (needs a way to vent the anger/fear/resentment). Also, the kids know that the parents will have to team up in order to deal with his discipline problems.
What is the teacher going to do about it?
The teacher gets frustrated because is unable to get the student’s attention. Will try to discipline the child. Will try to get the parent’s attention as well. Nothing seems to work.
Well the student is overwhelmed with the situation at home. When the teacher puts more pressure (with the best intention) the situation is going to get worse. When the parents get involved, the family problems get even more stressed. Now the kid’s guilt keeps growing. Everyone’s frustration keeps growing. Is a vicious cycle.
What can we do about it?
By becoming aware of the real problem, the teachers, the parents, counselors, etc can handle the situation on a different way. They can choose to release the child from the parent’s problems and assure him/her that both of the parents will always love him/her regardless of what happen to their marriage. They can give space and support to the child to process the emotions and allow the child to relax. It is going to be a relief for everyone involved (including parents and teachers).
Acknowledging the child’s needs
The school system means well, but they forget to look at the child and make an attempt to meet the real needs.
What about the teachers?
Teachers also tend to be overwhelmed on a modern school system. There is a lot of work to do, and not a lot of support nor resources available for them. They fear the parents that are always questioning them. They might not agree with a lot of the procedures from the Department of Education. They are not allowed to be themselves, so they feel weak (castrated). They are also resentful. Is hard for some them to connect with the vision/vocation that made them become teachers in the first place. They are doing their best, but very often, is not enough.
Every day they need to show up to work and pretend to be good in front of the children. However, children are perceptive and will not buy they fake smile. They are going to perceive that the teacher is not being honest, and stop paying attention.
The teachers also need to expand their range of vision and look at the big picture. They need to remember why they are going to school. They need to focus on the students and their life vocation. The conflicts, politics, bureaucracy, etc are very real, but they shall not be the main focus on their careers. They also need to find ways to support each other.
Teachers need to know that they are on an eternal spiritual walk, and that they are evolving with every situation that they face every day. They need to know that things are never going to be perfect, and that they are indeed perfect with all the imperfections. They need to get support as they have something heavy on top of their shoulders, and don’t necessarily have the resources to achieve it. They also need to know that what they have to offer is perfect. Is ok to be angry frustrated, confused, etc. We are all human beings trying to do our best. What we are doing is out of love. That is enough.
The systemic pedagogy is not a book with guidelines. Is more a way of life when we accept the things the way they are (not how we want them to be), acknowledge them, give thanks, and look for ways to make them better. Systemic facilitators have ways to look at the situation within a wider perspective and allow the vision to expand, allowing the resolution to expand by itself.
A Systemic Pedagogy facilitator can really help you achieve your goals in school. You can also consider doing Family Constellations in order to deal with you personal issues (that is going to help you become a better teacher, parent, director, etc).
Attached is a radio interview (in Spanish) with one of the creators of the CUDEC-Hellinger Systemic Pedagogy methodology, when she came to Puerto Rico.
In 2016, I hosted a radio interview with Elisa Cabrera, who is one of the creators of Systemic Pedagogy. The interview is in Spanish.
Entrevista con Elisa Cabrera :
La Pandemia y el Sistema Educativo
https://www.constelacionespr.com/blog/la-pandemia-y-el-sistema-educativo
La Pandemia y el Sistema Educativo
https://www.constelacionespr.com/blog/la-pandemia-y-el-sistema-educativo
Entrevista con Angelica Olvera, la creadora de la Pedagogía Sistémica
La Pandemia y Nuestra Historia
https://www.constelacionespr.com/blog/la-pandemia-y-nuestra-historia
La Pandemia y Nuestra Historia
https://www.constelacionespr.com/blog/la-pandemia-y-nuestra-historia
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or visit AlternativasSistemicas.com
Javier Ruiz
(787) 525-6905
SanacionPR.com
Javier Ruiz
(787) 525-6905
SanacionPR.com
Other links (in Spanish):
https://www.maita.es/es/pedagogia-sistemica/metodologia/
https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/ourense/2019/05/08/empezar-reconstruir-adultos/0003_201905O8C10995.htm
