With regard to what you have read in chapter 10 (Donald et al 2013), caution should be exercised in labelling a learner because labels lead to prejudices and may, ultimately, cause more harm than the original behavioural or emotional challenge. The secondary effect of prejudice is that other learners, teachers and parents may start to isolate and alienate the learner, for instance from sources of emotional support, and they may also avoid interaction with the learner. The result is that this attitude may inhibit the progress a learner may make in dealing with the specific challenge. Consider the following guidelines: • Avoid labelling a learner When learners are labelled early in their school years, such a label tends to follow them throughout their …show more content…
When a teacher metes out punishment that is focused on the learner and not on the undesirable behaviour, the learner may feel that he or she is a bad person. This may lead to acting out in other areas and may ultimately contribute to disruptive behaviour. • Apply discipline clearly in the classroom Learners who know what is expected of them will feel safe in the classroom. When learners experience unfair treatment, they may withdraw and become involved in truant behaviour. • Be consistent where punishment and rules are concerned It is important for a teacher to be consistent so that the learner knows that their word can be trusted. When learners know that certain actions will have specific consequences, they can weigh up the pros and cons of certain actions and refrain from engaging in negative or disruptive behaviour. • Teach learners that although people are different, they are all valuable It is important for a learner to accept that everyone is different and that differences are not bad, but good. Everybody’s life is valuable, no matter who they are or what they