Role of Teachers in Increasing Psychosocial Adjustment of Children in Residential Care

Abstract

The study aims to explore the role of teachers in helping to improve the psychosocial adjustment of children in residential care in the school environment. This research is designed as a qualitative study approach. The case study method is used to explore primary data that look at psychosocial adjustments and narrative data from the perspective of children living in shelters in Malaysia. The study participants consisted of children who lived in residential care as well as the teachers. The findings of the study have resorted to three main themes, teachers as guides, creating good relationships with children’s in residential care and also providing opportunities for school activities. Teachers play an important role in providing a rewarding life experience as it has a major impact on the success of psychosocial adjustment of residential care children while in school. Additionally, quality education services are all-in-the-way to meet the needs of children and to ensure the healthy development of children and to adapt well when in the environment beyond. Also, teachers need to provide more holistic education services by establishing a network of partnerships with various parties, especially residential care management so that schools become a safe, comfortable and conducive environment in shaping the balance of psychosocial adjustment of residential care residents.