Job Discussion Forums

[dyak]

I think hot potato does work, though it really depends on the class. I couldn�t employ it as much as Mr Schmooj does as there is a certain amount of �testing the teacher� that goes on here, especially in advanced classes. But then how many times do you have to tell them the difference between say/tell, �looks� and �looks like�, people with an �s� and so on.

�What I tell you, you forget; what you discover for yourself, you�ll always remember.�

Or something like that, I remember seeing it in the school somewhere - and maybe it applies here?

[shmooj]

[october]

Have a good vacation.

[denise]

Silly me! With all this talk of hot potato and things being thrown back and forth, I was imagining erasers, chalk, etc. flying across the classroom. I get it now, though.

I've been pondering this thread for a few days, and I can't say I have any concrete rules. I guess my rule would be to base my rules on the context.

d

[october]

Denise - The rules don't have to be material based, or even class based. But what is important to you and your interaction with the students. I will give you some examples and if still you think you have no rules then great: simple things like - no chewing gum, no answering back rudely, no eating during lessons. or more serious like - no approaching you directly, standing up when the teacher enters the class.
I agree with you that rules that have to do with material usually must be context based upon other things.

By the way - it took me a while to get the "hot potato" too.

[Gordon]

A rule for me is take your job seriously. Students will never respect you if they think you are winging it or don't care. That doesn't mean you can't wing it, just don't let them know it.

Be consistent. If you tell the students that you won't accept late assignments, then don't accept them. If you waffle, they will try to get you to make exceptions for everything. Teaching is a lot like being a parent or being a parent is a lot like teaching.
I'm a really strict teacher, but I have fun with my students too.

[october]

great rules!

[Capergirl]

My number one rule is: Only English is to be spoken in ESL class.

[Gordon]

It would be tough to have that one in Japan, Capergirl.
Did you have that rule when you were in Taiwan and Korea and did you teach kids?

[Capergirl]

Gordon: Yes, no, and yes.

[Lynn]

Classroom Rules
No gum
No dictionaries
Cell phones off (vibrate okay)
English only

The students added quite a few more obvious ones, like "no smoking". (it's illegal to smoke inside, anyhow in NY)

An interesting one they added was "no whispering while the teacher is talking"

[Dr.J]

Just to comment on the 'hot potato' rule, I think the theory behind it is to encourage more learner independence.

Also, there are many times when a student has asked me a question I couldn't answer, then I say something like "I know, but if I told you, you wouldn't learn it." Then they go away and find the answer and we both learn something! heh heh

[october]

Lynn I am wondering why you don't allow dictionaries in your lessons?
(I love NY!!!!- sorry i had to get that out)

[dduck]

I guess I'm weird: I really don't like rules, instead I enjoy freedom. As long as my students are respectful to the others I let them: answer calls on the cell phones; chew gum; arrive late; use Spanish (I encourage, rather than enforce English), and even use dictionaries.

Perhaps, the difference is I'm teaching adults.

I also encourage my students to answer their own questions, whether I know the answer or not; I like to know who knows and what they know. If they don't know I start giving them clues, if they're really clueless I tell them. Lastly, some of my elementary students are fearful of the words "How do you say that in English?" If I know they have the words to express themselves in English, I ask them to. You should hear the groans!

Iain

[october]

Iain,
You are not weird.
Not having rules is your rule. Besides, i see two rules in you "non rule" classroom.