Job Discussion Forums

[fat_chris]

I think that each group of students that a teacher has should be approached differently; for example, sometimes a stern lecture will be appropriate, sometimes it will not.

It's pretty easy to tell within the first few lessons what type of group a teacher has and how one should respond to that group. I feel that the worse a group is regarding English ability and discipline, the less likely strong lectures and episodes of flying off the handle will be productive. Nipping problems in the bud early on and consistently should help greatly, rather than letting them build up. I do believe that some students try to see how much they can get away with with a new teacher. I respond by showing them immediately that they won't get away with much when I'm at the helm (I really like Twisting in the Wind's comments).

Lecturing about not giving the teacher enough respect makes the instructor look foolish. I agree with what's been said on many of these posts regarding this. The more one vocally demands respect, the less likely one will get it. Respect is received through actions. Illustrate that you are serious about your work and that you are hard-working and show that you will not put up with any sh*t and the students should respond.

I also feel that one should never get violent, i.e., kicking the desk and throwing things around. That also makes the teacher look extremely foolish. In China such loss of control is severely looked down upon and would mean an immediate loss of face and credibility for the teacher that may never be restored (is this also the case in Japan?). The teacher in question's tirade sounds extremely embarassing.

I agree with nomadder. I can maintain classroom order, but if there are discipline questions, I will address the administration about my concerns. Fortunately in my last position, I had an extremely supportive group of administrators who would come to my aid.

My personal teaching style follows a mantra of "firm, but fair." I do follow the old teachers' adage of "don't smile 'til Christmas" (well, not 'til Thanksgiving). Fun can be had in the classroom but there's little place for nonsense and bullsh*t in my classroom. My students figure this out early. I don't get overly upset about dress code violations, sleeping in class and cell phones ringing. I just quietly take action early rather than ranting and raving like a goofball. I like caesar's comments about not taking all of this personally.

Sometimes teaching is a thankless job that is not for the faint-hearted. Realizing that sometimes there aren't any inherent personal rewards in teaching (as in all lines of work) and accepting this makes things smoother, methinks.

[cheryl]

Just as an update, i asked the teacher whether his method worked or not...he hasn't responded and the thread is no longer active. I aplogize for not posting this earlier but i haven't checked this forum in a while.