Job Discussion Forums

[PussyDog2006]

Hello , I am from U.S.A and considering coming to China for teaching. After reading this forum for week or so, it looks to be a good place for guidance. I have a question, What happens when the classroom goes beserk on the teacher there...you know like the movie Kindergarden Cop when the little boy says to his teacher (Arnold) "My father has a *beep* and my mother has a vagina" has anyone had an experience like this?...if so how do you control it?..thank you

[Voldermort]

It helps to walk in the classroom with a colt .45 fastened to your ankle.

Seriously though, classroom managment comes with experience. Each teacher has his/her own way of dealing with it. I teach high school spoilt little brats, and one of my methods is to lecture them in the most boring way imaginable. They hate it. Problem is, as FT's there is nothing we can do. We can't send them out of the class, we can't use the ruler, we can't make them wear a dunce cap. Damn I wish I payed more attention in high school.

One of my problems though is I start of being too friendly with them. I am planning to approach the problem with a different tactic next year. I will start of the year by having them stand and welcome me to each class, and to call Mr. **** as they do for their Chinese teachers. It's not in my personality to do this, but then again, I don't like people walking all over me which is happening at the moment.

[Ariadne]

PDog2006.. One way to handle the problem is to avoid it. Get a job with university students or adults. Chinese college kids don't go wild like the little ones, but it can be tricky to keep them on task. Just when you think you've found the answers, the next class will react differently to the same material/methods. College age students really can be fun though. Try to make all your requests and directions as clear as you can using whatever means necessary... exageration, mime, chalk board, class monitors, examples, visual aids, etc. Whatever the age, people start chatting and tuning out when they don't know what you want them to do.

Good luck to you, whatever age you teach.

[jester]

What's up with your moniker?

If you teach younger kids, then I agree with Voldi. And this is not something you learn from a book - it is experience. My college sts know when to shut up and listen to me - well, most do anayway. My favorite method of diciplining them is to simply stop talking and go sit down. It takes about 3 min and then you can hear a pin drop. This, however does not happen very often, in fact - once or twice a year. Best come here and start swimming - you'll survive.

[Itsme]

This is what may happen.

You will find a perfect method for disciplining the students. A day later the Chinese teachers will get angry because your class is going so well. They will make up a new rule stating that your form of discipline is not allowed in China. They will implement your plan into their class and you must find another way. If you do not discipline then your class will always be out of control. You will be criticised for having a bad class. If your discipline is good you will be disciplined for your method.

It's up to you. I would much rather have a well disciplined class than a disruptive one.

[clarrie]

[jester]

Sorry clarrie, I meant the part about being too friendly from the beginning, letting things slip, and then try to be stricter. And this is not meant to offend, but I don't think you are in a position to lecture me in educational psycology (now only if I could spell that right.........)
As for his name - Pussydog - that is just plain crass.

[Super Frank]

I threatened to tell the 8 year old's parents, they all started crying and it broke my heart. Then the class assistant DID tell the parents and I have never had so many invitations for coffee. Now the children are much better behaved.

[jester]

Frankie, It's not the norm though, is it? Squeal on 8 year olds? One should be able to, if you are a veteran like yourself, to handle these situations without going to that extreme. I'll admit that it's not always easy( come to think of it - most of the time it's not)
Shalom

[Malsol]

[Super Frank]

Jester, is it out of order? I didn't think of it as squealing. Maybe you're right but I hate throwing my toys out of the pram and they were going ballistic. Other thing is I am new to this game and all the classes are a lot easier to control now (not because I grassed anyone up), I think they were trying it on with me.

[jester]

Sorry mate. I tend to think that all posters here are old hands, like me. If that turned out positive for you - right on! Most ESLers out here think they are so good - until they have to teach primary. That has a way of bringing most of our feet back on ground - if you know what I mean. I did not write the textbook on teaching primary kids but if you need some specific advice, I'd like to try and help. Pm me
Shalom

[dajiang]

As with anything: "Use the Force!"

Kids going beserk have obviously gotten a reason to go beserk. It's up to you to let these reasons occur or not.

Kids have energy, and lots of it. We as teachers have to channel this energy just so that it results in language learning. Now that's good, because there are heaps of activities (note: action) designed just for this purpose.

But, if you are unsure as to how to wield this power, get a BA in education and a TEFL degree will help (though these are not always tailored for primary education), or simply dive in and learn as you go (minimizing casualties of course). I know the first option is not realistic, so I guess you just have to dive in. It's up to you how to control the little buggers. Adopting a strict stance might backfire though. I think that a wise spread of activities and frontal teaching moments does a world of good. Also explain what you expect from the kids, write down each lesson what the plan is, so that they know what to do when finished (get extra materials for the faster ones to start on like puzzles), and try to have a fixed pattern in each lesson. Do leave some room for comic relief, and physical activity.

You could also just teach high school or uni classes. Lot less physical activity going on there. I'm teaching high school right now, and have never done primary classes (have witnessed them though), but I do have the utmost respect for those that teach them. It's quite something else.

G'luck,
Dajiang

[jester]

The jist of your post lie in the sentence: " I have never done primary classes"
If you have no experience in this it is unlikely that you would be able to give advice - or am I wrong?

[lollercauster]

Unless he's just good with children and has dealt with these elusive children some time in his life?