Professional Reflection on the last CPD Learning Breakfast session on - Labelling

Currently, I am teaching the Sociology A.S. Level group who recently took part in a lesson on labelling. They enjoyed it so much, Nina and I decided that they should plan a session for teachers in the CPD Learning Breakfast programme. The students began by giving each teacher a label as they entered the room. these ranged from 'trouble maker to chatterbox'. We then got the teachers to discuss how that label made them feel? Comments such as "it makes me feel uneasy" or "immediately defensive" were mentioned.
The teachers then watched a clip from the Catherine Tate show where a teenage pupil called Lauren was in her French lesson. Teachers were asked to identify where Lauren was labelled by her teacher? This happened when Lauren got in a confrontation with the teacher who said she was stupid and would get a U grade. Although Lauren was clearly playing up, she demonstrated such a wide range of key vocabulary, this should have been utilised in a positive way.

Teachers then discussed how labels are reached- this could be by gossip from another teacher, a past experience with a pupil or by poor first impressions. We discussed whether labels can be positive or negative e.g. Some teachers so have that favourite teacher's pet. However, the sixth form explained that this can actually be negative for that child who feels isolated from their peers. They also explained that teachers can let their favourites get away with more things, which is not setting a good example to the rest of the group.
We ended the session looking at how we can prevent labelling as a negative form of stereotyping in the classroom and also why pupils like Lauren may behave in that way e.g. troubles at home? Ultimately, we concluded that teachers have a responsibility to be the 'adult' and not resort to aggressive confrontations lowering themselves into a slanging match. Teachers have a responsiblity not to hold grudges but to treat each day as a new one and turn over that leaf!

The sixth form presenters are planning to alter this workshop and present it to tutor groups. If you are interested in them coming to deliver a session to your tutor group let Emily Beer or Nina Moore know ASAP to book them in for some fantastic peer coaching.

Emily Beer