Workshop Overview
The session, titled “Difficult Students, Overwhelmed Teachers – Ways to Balance Care and Boundaries,” was designed as an interactive workshop focusing on understanding student behaviour through a psychological lens. Participants explored the underlying causes of behaviours often described as “difficult,” including anxiety, perfectionism, withdrawal, and resistance.
The workshop combined theoretical insights with practical classroom strategies. Through case studies, reflection tasks, and collaborative discussions, attendees examined how factors such as stress, trauma, and difficulties with self-regulation influence classroom dynamics. The session emphasised the importance of creating structured and psychologically safe learning environments, while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
Key Themes
Particular attention was given to:
- balancing empathy with structure in classroom management,
- supporting students without taking on excessive emotional responsibility,
- recognising the role of teacher co-regulation and self-care,
- maintaining sustainable professional boundaries without adopting the role of a therapist.
About the Speaker
The workshop was led by Agata Wardyńska, an experienced language teacher, examiner, and trainer with over 15 years of professional practice. Drawing on her extensive experience across educational and corporate contexts, she shared valuable insights into the emotional and psychological dimensions of learning. Her approach integrates language teaching with psychological awareness, intercultural communication, and emotionally responsive pedagogy.
Participation and Organisation
The event was free of charge for IATEFL members, while non-members paid a registration fee of 50 PLN. Participants also had the opportunity to connect and exchange experiences, contributing to a supportive professional environment.
For organisational matters, participants were supported by the event contact person, Joanna Leszkiewicz. The Wrocław workshop provided practical tools and valuable perspectives for teachers dealing with complex classroom situations. It highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between supporting students and protecting teachers’ well-being, offering participants actionable strategies to reduce emotional overload and enhance classroom effectiveness.
