25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

226 25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them
31.6. Do you ever think about this incident? If yes, approximately how
often since the occurrence(s)?
Every few days for 2 months.
31.7. If faced with the same or a similar situation, what would you do?
Watch what I say and remember that I’m talking to a student.
Commentary
It is understandable that teachers are people and in a casual setting, they
might make uncomplimentary statements in jest and their friends won’t take
offense. However, in the classroom, teachers can avoid offending students by
being vigilant about professionalism and by remembering that teachers
should be friendly, not a friend to their students. An ironclad solution would
be to only use kind words when interacting with others, especially your
friends, and this kind of behavior will become a default reaction when interacting
with students.
Mistake 17: Academic Shortcomings
Teacher # 32
A Scenario of a Teacher’s Worst Treatment of a Student
A student in my class was a constant distraction to me and the other students. When
asked to stop he was very rude and disrespectful. One long morning, I had asked him
to stop talking or sit down eight times in 20 minutes. It was the last straw. Once
more I had to stop teaching and wait while he kept talking. Without thinking, I
screamed, “Just shut up!” The class was silent as they looked at me in disbelief.
Motive Probe
32.1. Describe the problem and your specific role in it.
I told a student to shut up.
32.2. Why did you do what you did?
I was frustrated and it just came out!
32.3. What emotions or feelings were you experiencing at the time?
Anger and frustration.
32.4. Was your behavior justified? If so, why?
Yes and no. It felt good to say “shut up” because he deserved it, but I
should have responded in a more appropriate way.