Job Discussion Forums

Dr.J · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 304 Location: usually Japan

But step back for a moment: it's more rewarding to be a person who teaches than to be a teacher, and treat those around you accordingly.
Think about this, little grasshopper.

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

Bertrand,

I for one welcome your lighter, but still distinctive, touch.

In one week, I believe you've set new DAVE'S records in the following categories:

A: Longest post.

B: Shortest post.

C: Most consecutive posts.

However, in category C some posters on this particular thread may feel slighted at not having received a mention. Can you please rectify this, and so officially be inducted into the full silliness of the China Forum. See the "Off Topic" line for full on lunacy.

ESL Guru · Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 462

And just think, in a few short days I am compelled to leave all of this benind. How will I live without it? Oh I won't. Almost forgot.

xiaoyu · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 10:25 pm Post subject:

bertrand-

how to use the language to your advantage aka knowing more than they think you know! Smile

this can be difficult. however, depending on your level of chinese it can be very beneficial. you can use it in the classroom as well as in negotiations and social situations.

randomly nab someone in the classroom that is speaking chinese (in a "trouble" manner - ie smarting off to the students about what is occurring in the classroom).... make certain that you understand at least 75% of what is said and get after him/her..... throughout the class period, if you hear something that could be construed as being problematic give them the "evil, catholic teacher eye" .... continue this random discipline..... the students will start to watch what they say for 2 reasons - 1) you might understand them and get them into trouble and 2) you might discipline them for something that isn't worth it and they don't want any trouble (this is a result of them not knowing how much chinese you really know and not wantiing to test it)

sure you only need this if chinese is allowed to be spoken in your class, but it is very very effective! and it keeps them on their toes! you may need to study more but it is definitely worth it!

xiaoyu

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

So, Sunaru, does this mean that the average ESL student in a Californian school is a tougher proposition than the Iraqi military?

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

OK, curiosity has done the trick. Is it a school or a military base?

However, I've taught in Inner London, which was like being a marshall at a G7 demonstration.
Am I getting warm?

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

W H A T !!! You have not heard of Compton!!!!&&&*^%$#@! Have you NEVER seen a Tarintino film? Compton is the setting for both Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. You taught in an Inner London school? What suburb?

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

I lived in North London's Stoke Newington, and like many Aussies then, maybe now even, did supply teaching at a nearby Comprehensive to attempt to pay the rent. I doubt you were a student there, Bertrand.
I wasn't aware that knowing the names of suburbs in Tarantino movies was considered general knowledge, but I'll stand corrected!

woza17 · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 602 Location: china

Another class with the roowdy kids, I asked the boys in the back to move to the front so they could see the board, they refused. I told them quietly stand up and leave the classroom. They did with small acts of bravado on the way out . Turned to the rest of the class warning them the same thing would happen to them followed up by a letter to their parents. Worked like a charm. I was quite angry at this stage, I didn't show it but the anger empowered me not to take this behaviour anymore.
I played a new game with the calss one that I got of Daves ESL cookbook.
The flyswatter game. A great game that really works with both adults and children.
Cheers
Carol

Kapt. Krunch · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 163

I found one technique very effective with the really insolent lads.
Send them to the hall(they may not want to go as they have never been made to)by any means needed. Let them cool off. Act as if they aren't needed. Then when the class is busy with it's excersises...get the chinese teacher to interpret for you.
1. I don't care who you/your parents are...it is irrelevant in my class.
2. I have 40 min each week to teach 40 kids. You wasted your time slot and at least 5 others...I think you owe your classmates.
3. I only have time for those who are interested in being part of the class.If this behaviour happens again you will not return to any class that I am teaching...is this clear??

Number 1 is the most important and the most effective.