Post-pandemic: Teaching with kindness

Abstract

People like to use the word ‘unprecedented’ when they talk about 2020. An unprecedented virus, an unprecedented global impact, and an unprecedented way to teach. After two years of this rhetoric, the word can start to feel a little tired. Undoubtedly, in the face of COVID-19 we had to do things very differently, but this statement seeks to look beyond the pragmatic. This personal view examines how the past two years of experience have influenced my beliefs and behaviours as they relate to teaching. I reflect on the changing role I experienced as a teacher, and how I have come to understand the need for compassion and kindness.

Acknowledgements

With thanks to Dr. Mariette Volschenk (Stellenbosch University) for her encouragement.

Disclosure statement

The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynelle Govender

Dr. Lynelle Govender is a senior lecturer in the Division of Anatomical Pathology, at the University of Cape Town. This paper stems from work conducted as part of her MPhil (Health Professions Education) at Stellenbosch University.