Job Discussion Forums

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Don't ask them to do the role play, tell them. They don't have a choice and everyone has to do it, so they won't feel like they're being picked on. Praise and encourage their efforts.

Try to limit their writing time and focus on the their speaking, as that is why we "foreign experts" are here anyways.

I teach in a university, much like HS in other countries (in terms of maturity). I do writing classes, oral English, cross cultural studies, internet, and medical classes. A real range, but that makes it interesting.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

I hear you Gordon. And I do tell them.

What about the night school? Would you insist on every one participating when chaos seems to be the order of the day.

How are the beaches down there. Ever see any good surf, people surfing, do you live near a beach?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

I'd have to agree with myself when I say that yes, I should be the one advising on this board.

But then I would be lumped together with the other "English teachers" and "linguists". You might make that mistake on-line, but it would never happen elsewhere. No, no, no.

No, I am what you might call a cultural liason/language trainer.

As far as my training goes, I'm sorry but I don't follow you. Is there some type of training that prepares one for this experience?

Where was I? Oh yes, you may also be interested to know this is not the only esl site, but as you may or may not know this one does the best job of living up to it's reputation.

You are professional. I like you. I like TokyoLiz. And......ahh.....right.

a bientot,

S

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

I meant training for this, this...forum as you call it.

Other than perhaps impressing...I don't know who? What practical implications are there with these certificates you referred to? Please tell me if there is some big secret or method I don't know about.

As for my elementary questions, still waiting for the elementary answers.

What would you say if I told you that I am envolved in a research project on a subject very close to all our hearts?

Cheers,
S

Pistons!!!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

Well said.

OK. I have updated. Today I laid down the law with my class, I know I should have done it from the beginning, whatever. I didn't.

text
pencil
clear folder
note book...required for class

I also made it clear that they will not sit as they please anymore.

Problem:
One class 2 trouble students. Told the one 3 times to straighten up, watched her writing notes and intercepted the note. Again, spoke to her, she's giving me big-time attitude. Told her to leave, she took off, "Jah neh!" she said as she left the room, taking the p*ss. I put her desk outside the classroom and continued the lesson. Near the end, I checked in the hall while the class was busy. She was all in a huff and tossed a note from the nurse at me. I asked her in her native language why her desk was here and told her she was rude. Quickly and without thinking she said sorry. And she was gathering her things in a huff like she was taking off. I said, tell me you are sorry and we will forget the whole thing. Emphatically, she said no. I tried again in perfect Japanese.
She was crying now and thought she was going somewhere. (1st yr. student) I said let's go then to find your homeroom teacher. All the way she was still trying to tell me what's up. I told her to wait in the room in front of the staffroom, she refused. Finally, I took her to the nurse's room, explained she was naughty and returned to class. The other one now is all attitude and on about over excessiveness. Another excellent student now needed to go to the nurse and her friend would accompany her. Then, the other bad one and her mate try to slip out the door to also accompany them to the nurse. Hey, I said. Sit down please.

Later, I explained to my superior, they discussed it. I insisted on an apololgy. I was told they would apologize first. Meaning, yes, they wanted me to apologize after.

My question: apolgize or not?

Cheers,
S

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

What do you need to apologize for? You disciplined them. If you apologize you will never be able to face that class again. Never.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

The one just came to me. She is a sweetheart.

Her friend? We'll see.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Very confusing, Sweetsee. You lost me in a number of places in that story.

Who cares if students write notes? You have to be a little slack in classroom management here, or haven't you learned that?

She took off and said, "Jah neh", but you put her desk in the hall??? Did you tell her to sit there or just to leave the classroom? I'm guessing she left as ordered, went to the nurse, then returned just as you looked outside the room, but once again, you are not clear.

Demanding that a student tell you she's sorry is asking too much, or at least asking for the wrong thing at the wrong time. In my opinion, you should have had a powwow with her and the HR teacher that same day, hauled her butt into a private room and gotten severe reprimands from the HR teacher, which would have (ideally) resulted in an automatic apology.

Have you even tried this approach?

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Great, just spent a 1/2 hour on a post only to have it deleted, again!
Increases brevity, anyway.

Denise as usual you are right, mostly. Only hoping to pick up some tips. Some real gems. And I already have. Thank you very much.

Glenski, very very sorry. Real mess was that tale. Please forgive.

We have many meetings and things are mentioned and it seems to be the end of it.

I have an excellent rapport and support with my colleagues. They support my actions and determination to the fullest.

It's amazing how quickly the 1st year girls change from the meek alone child at the opening ceremoney to: Miss I do what I want, never study, attitude heavy, little monster

They are in every class. Yesterday there were two in the class and today there is one. I'm happy.

Tears were shed, words were spoken and now I know that one student has been saved.

I will continue until I have success with all of them.

I realize my school is not an academic powerhouse but I love my job and have taken it upon myself to stay the course.

Thanks every one for your support and patience with my often convoluted and and always dreadful writing.

Change topic: teachers who wed their students

Cheers,
S

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Gordon, Glenski,

"Do not move the students desks outside", I was told. Agreed.

I'll take responsibility for the blown play. I got a good look at the basket from downtown, missed the shot, picked up the foul, went 1 for 3 from the charity stripe and threw the ball away on the ensuing inbound play.

End result: good effort, sloppy play

Friday fun-day, yeah?

Cheers,
S