昆州学校出资让学校老师参加如何微笑课程

一炷香

昆士兰的Maleny公立高中的80多位老师在上周的一个非教学日里参加了为时两小时的微笑治疗课程，耗费学校每人1200余元。昆州的其他学校甚至还聘有专门的微笑咨询师。

昆州政府对此解释道，微笑课程是老师职业培训项目的一部分。课程带来的一些好处包括改善老师身心健康，减小工作压力，建立信任和培养自信心。

反对党则指责政府面对稀缺的教育资源，滥用资金。


Queensland State School conducts laughter therapy session for teachers


http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25383603-421,00.html
The Advertiser
April 25, 2009 12:01am


A QUEENSLAND state school has spent $1200 teaching teachers how to laugh and other schools are also believed to have paid for laughter "consultants".

Eighty-two staff members from Maleny State High School took part in a two-hour "laughter therapy" session during last Monday's pupil-free day.

Opposition education spokesman Bruce Flegg yesterday accused the State Government of wasting "scarce" funds and teachers' time, The Courier-Mail reports.

"While parents juggle work and finding child-minding on a pupil-free day the teachers are being taught to laugh - this is a joke," Dr Flegg said.

"Queensland's education standards are languishing and schools are in need of essential maintenance; the money should be going there and teachers should be treated professionally."

But Education Queensland, which covered the cost of the consultant through a grant to the school, said the laughter therapy was part of professional development activities that included a two-hour session on literacy.

"Some of the benefits of laughter therapy are improving well-being, reducing stress levels, and building trust, confidence and self esteem," EQ said in a statement.

The school referred comment on the issue to the department.

The Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations president Margaret Black backed the therapy.

She said teachers had a tough job and it was important to look after their wellbeing.