Critical Incident in the Classroom 12

Class: Form 1 – Medium to Low Ability

Lesson: Shape, Space & Measurement – Measuring Angles

Scenario:

A newly qualified teacher is reminding a class of low ability pupils how to use a protractor properly
when measuring angles. Pupils are set to the task, measuring angles on a worksheet and
comparing answers. One pupil becomes frustrated when he cannot manipulate the protractor
effectively and starts shouting across the room. As the teacher approaches the pupil to help him,
the pupil throws the protractor at her.

What should the teacher do?

Answer:

In this scenario, the teacher is subject to a physical threat and therefore this calls for immediate
action, where some sort of ‘punishment’ needs to be given. It is important to punish this sort of
behavior, otherwise, the students might get the idea that such behavior is promoted. Of course,
before coming up with a solution to remedy the situation, the teacher should know the condition
of the student (for example whether the student is autistic). At that point, the teacher should go
up to the student and help the student use the protractor since this is the difficulty which caused
him to act in this manner. If the student were to be punished at that point in time, then the
situation might become one where it would be worse due to the pupil’s temper, therefore it is
important to allow the situation to diffuse before confronting him, as this would give the student
some time to cool off. At the end of the lesson, however, it is important that the situation is
discussed with the student and a solution to remedy the situation is found. It is important that the
student recognizes that this type of attitude is not acceptable and that it should not happen again.