What should a teacher do if she suspects abuse?

Inform yourself. Many people don’t know that teachers in all 50 states are now legally obligated to report even reasonable suspicions of child abuse to the police or local child protective services. I urge all teachers to learn about their state’s child-abuse laws, including recommendations about how to report.

Is it illegal for a teacher to talk about a student?

Absolutely. Schools normally never share any personal information about any student outside of teacher, counselor, or administrator. It’s hard to imagine any reason to share any personal information about any student, teacher, administrator, or staff member.

What to do if a student tells you they are being abused?

What can I say and do to help the child?

1. Actively listen to the child (stop what you are doing, look at her/him, respond by nodding and making supportive sounds)
2. Control your expression of panic, shock or horror.
3. Express your belief that the child is telling the truth.
4. Use the child’s language and vocabulary.

What should a teacher do if they notice bruises on a child?

For example, a classroom teacher concerned about bruises on a student might consult the school nurse. If a staff member notices unexplained behavior, a referral to the school social worker or psychologist might be in order.

How do you deal with an abused learner?

Try to give them extra attention but not so obviously that other learners feel that the child is being favoured. Adopt a child-centered approach and assure them that you are available should they need to discuss a problem. Communicate in a sensitive way. Build a trusting relationship and positive self-esteem.

How can I make my teaching more effective?

Try to learn how students are going about solving problems or arriving at their answers. Knowing the ideas and/or strategies that students are using to arrive at an answer (whether the answer is right or wrong) can be very informative for the purposes of making instruction more effective.

Why is it important for teachers to understand students’ misconceptions?

In addition, student learning and achievement can increase when teachers better understand their students’ thinking about a concept. Though misconceptions generally pose obstacles to learning, they also offer some value to the learning experience.

Do students come to school with all the information they need?

Students do not come to school as blank slates to be filled with instruction. Rather, they come to school with considerable knowledge, some correct and some not. Either way, that knowledge is based on intuition, everyday experience, as well as what they have been taught in other settings.

Why is it important to ask questions in teaching and learning?

Knowing the ideas and/or strategies that students are using to arrive at an answer (whether the answer is right or wrong) can be very informative for the purposes of making instruction more effective. Encourage your students to ask questions and then examine the content of those questions.