Re-imagining Teaching Socialisation to Students in the Era of Technology

Abstract

The ability to fully socialise is one of the crucial aspects necessary for the full development of learners. In an age dominated by mobile technology, developing socialisation skills in pupils brings new problems and opportunities. Parents and teachers are confronted with a myriad of new challenges. While there is a noticeable surge in the use of technology in schools worldwide, it is disconcerting to note the limited empirical research on the perspectives of teachers and parents about how socialisation can be taught. If educational support for student adaptation and socialisation is not emphasised during the schooling period, it may diminish the ability of learners to socialise as adults. This article employs a phenomenological approach and semi-structured interviews with educators and parents in South Africa to explore their perspectives on how to effectively impart socialisation skills in an age dominated by mobile phones and other digital devices.  The findings suggest that both teachers and parents, motivated by a desire to ensure their children's success, work tirelessly to impart invaluable socialisation skills using verbal admonishments, punitive measures, affirmative reinforcements and, occasionally, exemplification.