25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

Teacher Confessions of Worst Treatment of a Child
Motive Probe
2.1. Describe the problem and your specific role in it.
The boy was moving around all the time.
2.2. Why did you do what you did?
The teacher probably thought that a better way to teach a class was without
problems.
2.3. What emotions or feelings were you experiencing at the time?
I wanted to talk to the teacher because that was not fair to the boy.
2.4. Was your behavior justified? If so, why?
No, her behavior was not justified. There are boys that are very active.
2.5. Do you regret your action(s)?
Yes.
2.6. Do you ever think about this incident? If yes, approximately how
often since the occurrence(s)?
Three years and every time ...(no further comment).
2.7. If faced with the same or a similar situation, what would you do?
(No response.)
Commentary
This teacher apparently did not want to admit to her mistreatment of this
child, so she blamed it on an imaginary teacher. However, her admission to
regretting her actions and saying that she still thinks about it, gives her away.
Another clue that she is probably the teacher in the scenario is that she was
aware that the boy was facing the wall the entire day. How did she know that
if she was busy minding her own class? It is good that she has regrets and
that she shows signs of being more knowledgeable about child development
and behavior, noting that little boys are naturally very active. It is a common
occurrence to put disruptive children in a corner or outside the room and forget
about them. Not having to deal with such a child’s behavior will certainly
make the job easier for the teacher. To avoid this mistake, teachers should
have a specified maximum time-out that is just enough time to allow students
time to regroup and rethink their actions before rejoining the group.
Otherwise, the child should be engaged in some form of learning activity.
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