25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

Teacher Confessions of Worst Treatment of a Child
23.5. Do you regret your action(s)?
Very much.
23.6. Do you ever think about this incident? If yes, approximately how
often since the occurrence(s)?
Yes, about five–eight times in the past 3 years.
23.7. If faced with the same or a similar situation, what would you do?
Commentary
I would have made a comment to her in a joking manner, something that
could have inspired or motivated her.
This teacher made an erroneous assumption about a student’s mood and performance
and did not learn much from her error. When asked what she would
do if faced with the same situation, she is still making an assumption about
the student’s motives and mood although she is framing it as a joke or inspirational
message. The magic three-letter word is “Ask.” She could have gently
questioned the student about the performance, perhaps asking her if
everything was alright or if she felt that something was keeping her from performing
at her best that day. A great way for teachers to avoid making erroneous
assumptions about a student’s performance is to refrain from judging
the performance until they know the student better and there is enough evidence
concerning the student’s performance to make an informed judgment.
Teacher # 24
A Scenario of a Teacher’s Worst Treatment of a Student
In all honesty, there is not one particular incident that stands out from the others.
However, there have been several occasions when I was speaking to students that I
was sarcastic or belittling.
Motive Probe
24.1. Describe the problem and your specific role in it.
I belittled a student.
24.2. Why did you do what you did?
I felt frustrated with the student.
24.3. What emotions or feelings were you experiencing at the time?
(No response.)
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