Job Discussion Forums

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

I have 5 classes at my uni and there is an assigned monitor in each one. 4 of them have done a good job and one was a lying loser. I would like to thank the good monitors in some, small, way other than just an e-mailed letter. Any suggestions?

DirtGuy

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

invite 'em to hotpot.

photoshop a certificate. (use the cool name seal you bought and then
stuck in a drawer somewhere.....)

get them matching t-shirts with something cool printed across the front.

buy a small gift from the stationary store.

but do you really want to exclude the lying loser? makes you look bad,
and reinforces everything loserboy said/says about you.

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Seems a bit obvious, but what about dinner?

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

These are good ideas and there is a pizza buffet in town I wouldn't mind returning to.

I understand what you are saying about the loser, but why in the world would I want to include this guy? Aside from being an awful monitor (almost never showed up to class, major disturbance when he did, never followed through on any of my requests, never once took a quiz), the guy "borrowed" my i-Pod and never gave it back. Seems to me that if anything is being reinforced, it is that these kids can do anything they want except study and get away with it.

DirtGuy

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Sounds like theft? Why didn't you report him. If the 'higher ups' hear about it and lean on him, he'll give it back.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

it'snotmyfault · Joined: 14 May 2012 Posts: 527

The students (not just monitors) who've made my life easy all year will get "bonus" marks in their final grade. Is that ethical? Probably not.

Personally I'd feel a bit uncomfortable inviting them all to dinner. And my ego might take a hammering if only one or two of them turn up Smile

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I feel a bit uneasy about extra points, as the other students in that class had no way of competing for extra points in that area.
I have in the past had awards for various accomplishments over the semester:
Best student
Best team
Most enthusiastic
Best attitude
But of course you have to set out with that system from day one and involve the students.
Don't sell yourself short. Invite the 4 and absorb the lesson if no one shows.
Good thread. Let us know how it goes.

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

If fewer people turn up, it turns out to be cheaper for you!

mwaltman · Joined: 07 May 2013 Posts: 78

They are obligated into the job and word gets back to the powers that be if they don't do it properly. Buying them anything is inappropriate. Simply say thank you if you want, but celebrating them in anyway is nothing but some aggrandizing behavior they don't need. They did what they should do.

kungfuman · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:46 am Post subject:

kungfuman · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:47 am Post subject:

hochhasd · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 422

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Wow. I'm even more confused than I was before. Still have a couple of days to think about it.

As for the flake, I'm going to have a sit down with his boss and let him know 4 of the monitors have done their job well and this one hasn't. I'll let everyone know the outcome.

DG

GuestBob · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 270

A simple recommendation to the head of their department is probably enough.

I have an ambivalent relationship with the idea of class monitors.

I don't need them for anything as I can use the computer systems to find any information I need myself and I also, you know, talk to other teachers if I want information. I have had monitors who tried to play the smartarse with me (that didn't last long) and ones who were helpful by their anonymity. I certainly don't elevate them to any kind of higher status than any other students though - unless they earn it by being an example to others.

However, the monitor and the class committee actually have a say in more important things than just helping the teacher - they may also have a hand in the disbursement of scholarships and the completion of character reports for other students, which are included in their files. This will vary from institution to institution of course but the class committee is an important element in the administration of students, although one which most foreign teachers don't fully understand.

I am aware of many (though not all) of the dynamics at work in the ban system but I don't feel the need to play into it. Case in point - I use set mixed ability groups throughout the year to (amongst other things) reform the social dynamic at work in my classroom and reform relationships with "language ability" thrown into the mix.