Job Discussion Forums

PF · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 11 Location: USA

Are there standard disciplinary practices and procedures implemented by schools that teachers must follow, or is appropriate action left for the teacher to decide. I realize each circumstance will be different, but what are some suggestions, methods and ideas some of you might be inclined to share? Thank you.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I taught spoilt high school girls and would quietly warn them, worked better than yelling, then kick them out of class.

Now I teach first and second graders and tell them quietly. Sometimes swat their bums with paper if they-re not sitting well, Then make them stand in front of class with their hands on their heads.

For the whole class we have a start system, enough stars and they get a prize.

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

as you might have guessed, it will depend on the school and they love to ask you about this in the interview. I turn the question around and ask them about the school policy and inform them that I will follow it.

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

PF,
You're asking too broad a question.

There are differences between institutions (university vs. conversation school, for example) and between countries.

Pick one from each of the two categories above, and let the experienced people guide you.

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I once poured water on an adult student's head when he wouldn't stop speaking to his classmate, in Italian, over me when I was saying something. He didn't see it coming, and the surprise knocked him right out of his seat. That was three years ago and that day was the turning point in our professional relationship - after that, he treated me me with a lot of respect and we still exchange Christmas cards. If my employer had found out, my butt would have been on the line. But in the end, it helped create an environment that promoted learning for everyone. The Italian-speaker stopped talking over and and started listening more, and the other students were no longer distracted by his constant banter.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

If you are a foreigner, in a lot of situations you won't be allowed to discipline the students at all. It's seen as your fault if a student isn't paying attention or is talking or acting out or whatever- because you need to get their attention (by being a foreign clown).

If you are a native of the country, then the usual tactic seems to be to yell at them until they start crying, and then after that start hitting them or grab them by their hair and start throwing them around the room.

Maybe that's just Japan, though.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 6:02 am Post subject:

Yeah, Gambate is spot on here.

But, also realize that what schools TELL you the policy is and what it really is may well be two different things.

For example, the school tells you they hate cheating and you crack down hard. But - if you bust too many people it quickly becomes, "What's wrong with Mr. X that so many people cheat in his classes" - extend that logic to pretty much any problem.

Moderation and discretion rule discipline - motivating your students will minimize your need for it.

SocratesSon2 · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 134

I don't know about other countries, but in China the best response is often to do nothing. I have found that those who are boisterous and trouble makers do it just to get attention, and the worst thing you can do is give it to them. Usually what I do is simply stop talking altogether and just look at the person or persons causing the problem. You will be amazed at how much more silence can do then taking some kind of disciplinary action. They want you to get upset, show you are annoyed you see, do something. Yeah sure bring them up in front of the room. Instead do nothing.

They want attention, attention they are not getting at home, from their teachers, or anyone else. Why not have some fun and try to get it from the foreign monkey? If you don't dance to the students tune, and simply don't give them what they want, they will quiet down soon enough. Trust me, it really does work. When they start causing trouble just stop talking entirely and look at them. It doesn't matter if it takes two minutes of staring at them in total silence. Awkwardness is not what they want, they want a back and forth with you. Try it, you'll see it works wonders. Not every situation will be able to be handled this way, but a fair amount of loudmouths and trouble makers will be silenced for the most part. Then just leave them alone and let them sleep.

Also please note that, before doing this, just ignore them, because the silent treatment is still a form of attention, just not the kind they are usually looking for. Some however just don't care what kind of attention they get. Good sense and instinct will tell you when to utilize this method.

If all else fails and these folks are still causing trouble, get their parents contact info and have someone call them, your TA or a friend who speaks Chinese. Threatening to do it might have an effect, but if not, do it. Word will get around very quickly to most everyone that you don't take, well, you know.

You are not there to be their buddy or pal, and being popular should be the least of your concerns. They will respect you and come to admire you only if you are consistent and firm, but fair. Oh, and if they can't get your goat, then your just another foreign monkey and not even worth listening to.

DistantRelative · Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Posts: 367 Location: Shaanxi/Xian

I completely disagree with Socrates here! Socrates: A bit of advice for a new poster. "IMO" goes a long way, and lends credibility to your posts. Please stop speaking as if your advice should be taken as gospel. Anyone thats been in China awhile, understands that this country, culture, etc.. varies sooooo much from one area to the next, that nothing is "standard". That is probably the only thing that is certain.
I for one, never ignore anyone causing a disturbance in my classroom. Frankly speaking, in a 40 minute class, I don't have 2 minutes to waste playing some stare game with an unruly student. In my classes they end up up in the hallway, or with their nose poked in a corner poste haste, and I continue my lesson. IMO, most important, is to establish discipline from day one. Establish a set of rules (no sleeping, (something Socrates apparently tolerates), other than an English book, no open books, no throwing things, no hitting, and no talking unless it's related to something involving the lesson). I taught junior Mids last year (22 classes a week), and in applying my approach, after the first few weeks, had a minimum of problems. I would add, in a of couple instances, I put a few hard cases (you know, the brain dead, basketball jock, never contribute squat types) to work cleaning offices during their free time at lunch. Needless to say, they weren't pleased, and I never had a problem with em again.
In any case, it would be helpful to know the particulars of your students (age, class size, etc... ). Hope this helps!

Zhuhao,

Shawn

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

Pretty interestin debate here.

I find the silent treatment works in China. I NEVER speak when others are. Sometimes I have to wait a minute or so but eventually the whole class will be silent if you just stand there and say nothing whilst staring at trouble makers. You don't even need to stare at the bad students. Others will start telloing people to shut up or shush.Some even clap their hands to get the attention of everyone.Totally agree with that one and it does work most of the time.