The intrusiveness was a bare minimum etc. The teacher showed a lot of wisdom and compassion--probably quite effective, as well. I only want to cheer her on and encourage others to try similar stuff.
This was the furthest thing from Draconian social engineering carp.
I never said or implied this teacher was intrusive. In fact I said it might work well in the hands of an individual. As an insight into one caring person it is very touching.
I objected to suggesting that all teachers should use this method. So many things in life depend on the motivation of the individual and there are a great many teachers with motivations that are not based on good of the student but on their own desire for control & power.
I can see it backfiring for some children too as kids would have a new anxiety, will anyone pick me?, I pick Jimmy every week and I never sit next to him? My husband’s response was that it would be a playground taunt...”Pick me!” “I’ll never pick you, Johnny!” “Me Neither.” “Nobody pick Johnny!”