Talk to children with your heart.

Children can ask computers and artificial intelligence (AI) dozens, even hundreds of questions, and the responses are always well-structured, sometimes even prompting the AI ​​to praise the child: "Wow, that's a very interesting question." But have we adults ever faced a child's question with indifference, judging it as "a silly question"?

A PRESCHOOL CHILD'S QUESTION

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, Principal of Soc Nau Kindergarten (An Hoi Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), vividly remembers a time she took her children to a sports day. While waiting for the bus, she and her children chatted, and a 5-year-old girl sighed and said, "Teacher, I don't want to get married someday." Ms. Van was surprised by the girl's serious and resolute statement. She approached the child and asked, "What's wrong? Can you tell me more clearly?" The little girl confided in her about the times her father had spoken harshly to her mother, hurting her and leaving her traumatized. Ms. Van hugged the child and whispered that negative things, if they exist, are not representative of everything in life. She also resolved to find a way to discuss with parents about how to communicate in front of children.

Every dedicated teacher knows how to observe and listen to children.

Photo: Thuy Hang

"Every question and statement from a child is often not just random chatter. A dedicated teacher will observe and listen to the children, and through their sensitivity, understand whether the children are sad or happy; what they are worried or anxious about; or what they want to share. From there, teachers can pay more attention to the children and help many of them," Ms. Van shared. And that's what distinguishes teachers – those who accompany their students every day – from machines and AI.

Ms. Van always advises the teachers at the school never to underestimate children's questions. Children may be young, innocent, and their expressions may not be perfectly clear, but many of their questions are very intelligent, and sometimes adults can't answer them immediately. During a lesson about natural phenomena like rain, sunshine, and how to walk safely in the rain, a kindergarten child asked: "Teacher, how is a storm created?" Clearly, preschool teachers, in addition to being well-prepared with the knowledge to answer many of children's questions, also need skillful communication with children so that they are not afraid to ask, always maintaining their curiosity and eagerness to learn, thereby developing their thinking skills.

Preschool teachers, in their educational activities, encourage children to ask questions.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

THE HEART OF A TEACHER - SOMETHING THAT MACHINES LACK

Dr. Pham Van Giao, Director of the Institute of Applied Psychological and Educational Sciences, observes: In the context of the digital age and the strong and widespread development of AI, education is facing profound and groundbreaking changes. Teachers are no longer simply providers and transmitters of knowledge, but must also develop the character and life skills of their students. The challenges teachers face in this context are immense.

No matter how advanced technology becomes, the heart of the teacher and their empathy remain incredibly important. Especially in the educational environment, emotional connection and the bond between teacher and student have a powerful impact on the holistic development of students.

Dr. Pham Van Giao (Director of the Institute of Applied Psychological and Educational Sciences)

AI can answer questions, provide information instantly, process data at lightning speed, and help students find answers immediately without judgment or evaluation. However, no matter how fast and intelligent AI becomes, it cannot replace the crucial role of teachers in connecting emotionally and spiritually with their students. "No matter how advanced technology becomes, the heart of the teacher and their understanding remain incredibly important. Especially in an educational environment, the emotional element and the connection between teacher and student have a powerful impact on the holistic development of students," said Master of Science and Doctor Pham Van Giao.

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO DEVELOP EMOTIONAL SKILLS AND CRITICAL THINKING.

Dr. Pham Van Giao, a Master's degree holder, believes that teachers need the ability to understand and empathize. A student can ask an AI any question without fear of being ridiculed, and the AI ​​can answer everything, but the AI ​​cannot recognize nonverbal signals from students, such as anxiety, stress, lack of confidence, or difficulties in socializing. However, teachers can do this.

Don't let the day come when children only choose to ask AI instead of adults.

Ms. Bui Thi Thuy, Deputy Principal of Ly Tu Trong Primary School (Tam Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), hopes that parents, teachers, and adults will be more patient and learn how to communicate with children in a way that does not stifle their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

Parents and teachers need to encourage children to ask questions. Because if we are indifferent, grumpy, or judgmental about children's questions, one day they will choose to ask AI or computers, treating AI as a friend instead of talking and exchanging ideas with adults.

Teachers also need to create opportunities for children to develop their emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. Teachers should not only help students understand a problem but also encourage them to analyze, question, and think deeply about it.

Furthermore, in the digital age, where isolation can occur in online learning environments, teachers need to restore face-to-face relationships and group activities. This will enable students to learn how to communicate, share emotions, and build empathy—elements that AI cannot provide.

Furthermore, according to Mr. Giao, teachers need to teach students how to ask questions and develop self-learning skills. While AI provides answers, teachers can help students develop the ability to learn independently, search for and verify information from multiple sources.

"And especially in the age of AI, teachers need both strictness and fairness. In an era where everything can be manipulated by technology, a teacher's strictness becomes a crucial factor in teaching students to respect discipline and responsibility, creating a serious and fair learning environment. Strictness doesn't mean a lack of concern or coldness, but rather a firm commitment to maintaining ethical and academic standards, thereby helping students develop disciplined, self-motivated work habits and respect for others," shared Master's degree holder and doctor Giao.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tro-chuyen-voi-tre-bang-trai-tim-185251114193658847.htm