Job Discussion Forums

[lotsa]

denise wrote:
Next semester's students will get a pre-emptive "appropriate classroom behaviour" discussion.

Good idea Denise. In my experience what happens on the first day, or rather, how the first day is conducted, sets the foundation for the rest of the course or semester. On day one, its a sussing out day, they suss you out, and invariable you as the teacher do the same. It's at this time I set out the plan/aim/standards for the course. It is not a negotiable one in terms of what standard you expect and in my experience, it works a dream. If anyone steps out of the borders you have laid down on day one, a simple reminder also works a dream. I will add that when you do set the standard, leave plenty of time for that period for them to question you about it. At the end of the period, if there is any doubt, you will find out in the next lesson! Good luck Denise!

Norm.

[eha]

According to my class, which consists 18 well-brought-up, extremely pleasant and co-operative --- at least to my face, and I don't care about anything else---- Omani youngsters, finger-clicking is ONLY acceptable among CLOSE FRIENDS belonging to one's peer-group. IT IS COMPLETELY OUT from student to teacher. These students say that any student in a university or college --- in Oman, at any rate--- KNOWS that, and is trying it on.
The discussion about it was fun.

[Afra]

With each new class, I do an exercise on what the students expect from me and what I expect from them. Someone in the class types it up and copies it for everyone, including me. Those are the classroom rules for the semester unless we find that something is unworkable, then we re-negotiate. It seems to work.

[sheikh radlinrol]