25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

Teacher Confessions of Worst Treatment of a Child
18.4. Was your behavior justified? If so, why?
(No response.)
18.5. Do you regret your action(s)?
Yes, I realized I should not have done so.
18.6. Do you ever think about this incident? If yes, approximately how
often since the occurrence(s)?
Three years.
18.7. If faced with the same or a similar situation, what would you do?
Sit down and talk to the student.
Commentary
The discipline strategy that the teacher’s trainee attempted to use was “satiation”
or having a child repeat a behavior until he is beyond satiated
(Schunk, 2004) to change a student’s behavior. This strategy changes behavior
because what was once pleasurable when repeated excessively usually
becomes punishing. This change is similar to the effect of the law of diminishing
returns such as 1 scoop of ice cream may be delicious and satisfying
but by the 20th scoop, a person could feel sick and nauseated. The teacher
could have capitalized on the student’s love for soccer and created an engaging
project and lesson on soccer that may have captured his interest.
Additionally, the use of a potential hero or role model to abuse a child is a
waste of talent and potential. Her ex could have been used more effectively
to motivate the class. Whatever discipline strategy a teacher wants to use, he
or she should never plan to harm a student. Positive behavior change and
respect for students should be the only goal.
Teacher # 19
A Scenario of a Teacher’s Worst Treatment of a Student
I was a summer camp counselor and had a very disruptive, hyperactive, disobedient
camper. Every time he was disobedient I would take away his favorite activity for that
day and I would sit him so that he could watch the other campers enjoy the activity.
Motive Probe
19.1. Describe the problem and your specific role in it.
I had a disobedient problem-child camper. I was his counselor.
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