Abstract

GOMEZ-RESTREPO, Carlos et al. Influence of Violence on Teachers and the School: a Study in a Locality of Bogotá, Colombia. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2010, vol.39, n.1, pp.22-44. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: There are related factors that increase the risk of presenting burnout syndrome, such as working in violent conditions. Objectives: To study the influence that violence in the community and gangs has on teaching on a daily basis, as well as the teachers' opinion on the quality of education. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in three locations of a school subject to violent acts by gangs. The qualitative data came from five deep interviews with key informants and nine focal groups with 114 of the 137 teachers (83.2%). Results: The deep interviews describe the violent situation that gangs generate in the sector. We found that teachers experience: Fear and anguish, uncertainty, lack of security and distrust, frustration and impotence, sadness, and other emotions derived from the situation. In the second question the i ndings where: Lower student-teacher performance, no boundaries and little authority, limited freedom, consequences on the mental and emotional health of the teacher, among others. The teachers suggest more support for spiritual activities, sports, arts and ieldtrips; implementation of new methods and strategies for teaching; laws to protect the teacher and incentives for them, among others. Conclusions: The violence generated by the gangs affects the entire community, indirectly affecting the teacher-student relationship, and therefore the quality of education. This problem requires immediate actions to improve communication among the different parties implicated in the problem, and measures to protect the educational tasks undertaken by the teachers.

Keywords : Violence; teachers; education; burnout syndrome.

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