Teaching – Things Teachers should Avoid

There are certain things Teachers should never do. A few are below, which I have learnt from my Teaching Experience.

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a) Never lose your temper in class.

Once in a while, there are a few learners that can rub one up the wrong way. Maybe, by shouting in class, trying to correct the teacher, being rude/disrespectful to the teacher or peers in class. Always keep your cool. If you feel you are extremely angry, ask everyone to take a 10 minute break. Leave the class and gather your feelings together, otherwise the lesson will not be effective and you will no longer be in Control.

Sometimes, I deliver Employability Courses for Job Seekers from Job Centres. On one particular occasion, there was a guy who was giving me a tough time. He just didn't want to be there and kept on making negative comments. I didn't lose my cool...just smiled and told him,not all Training Centres would accept his behaviour. He said, he knew that and told me how a Trainer once lost his cool and pushed him. He pushed him back and I can't remember who punched who. But this stuff happens, people lose their marbles!!

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b) Never give students Medicine.

Sometimes you mean well. A student might have a headache and ask if you have any paracetamol. I was advised never to give out tablets because if they have a bad reaction to them, it would be the teacher’s fault.

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c) Checking your emails while computer is projected on Screen.

If ever you are using an overhead Projector with your computer in class. Ensure it’s switched off, otherwise, students will be reading your emails along with you because it’s projected on the screen. It might be personal.

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d) Making Physical Contact.

Physical contact can be misinterpreted and there could be accusations of paedophilia. I have to admit this is a hard one. In my early years of teaching, I dealt with Asylum seekers and refugees and there were times, they broke down in class and cried. I couldn’t help rubbing their shoulders and I am glad no one misinterpreted my action. It was just a comforting hand.

Another time, in a London College, I got in the middle of 2 female students who were hitting each other – one was crying. I tried to separate them. I was later called aside by another Teacher and asked never to do that again as it could get me into trouble.

What was I to do? Stand there while they were punching each other and just say “stop fighting please?”

There are probably more but these are the ones I share through my teaching experience.

If you feel other points should be added, or have any thoughts, please share below. Thanks.

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Update

After publishing this article, there were some useful “Should Not’s” in the comments Box. I have included them here and a “Big Thanks" to all who contributed. I wrote this article from my experience, so colour, gender etc didn't come to mind, as I don't treat learners differently.

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More things to Avoid...

** Teachers should never discriminate against pupils on the basis of race, creed, colour, religon. (Thanks, Safiq Ali Patel)

** Teachers should not discriminate against Gender. (Thanks, J Dove-Miller)

** Don't discuss your personal problems with students. This is so easy to do, if you are teaching adults. (Thanks, Giving fairy)

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