By: Maya Listman


As a Savvy Auntie with a wealth of knowledge, you have a lot to teach your nieces and nephews. The question is, what is the best way?

A current ongoing study by the Finnish First Steps at the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Turku, explores the connection between empathetic teachers and children’s motivation for learning. The success of the Finnish education system is often attributed to highly qualified teachers, equality in education, minimal standardized testing and a high regard for the system itself.

The findings were published in Contemporary Educational Psychology and Early Education and Development. According to Senior Lecturer of Early Education Martti Siekkinen of the University of Eastern Finland, leader of the UEF research group in the First Steps study, grades 1-3 are a critically important time for a child. During this time, it is necessary they feel they have a safe relationship with their teachers. A teacher’s empathetic attitude during these years has the potential to protect a child’s image of themselves as a learner and against social exclusion by their peers. The researchers explain: "It is important that we learn about the mechanisms that inspire children to become active members of their school community, motivate them to study and set goals -- in other words, to believe in their abilities to achieve these goals."

As an empathetic Savvy Auntie, not just during nieces’ and nephews’ time in grades 1-3, but as they get older, you can help facilitate their motivation to learn both in and out of the classroom. Be understanding and create a safe learning environment when you are with them and always show that you believe in them.


Photos: Flynt
Published: November 17, 2015