Job Discussion Forums

[Dilla-gent]

Hello, Im a month into teaching at a junior high school for the first time. The English ability of most of the students is pretty low (apparently the school is located in a poorer neighbourhood), so most of the kids don`t go to eikaiwas or jukus.
While I have a good rapport with most of the students, there are a few sh*t disturbers (SDs) in every class, who are really rude and disrepectful to the Japanese teacher. They don`t do any work, and just talk all class, sick with verbal diarrhea and wanderitis. It is pretty annoying but I would like to get them involved more and motivate them to participate. I have a point system in place, which many students like, but the SDs dont seem care about it.
The games I plan are usually fun, but the same SDs still f--- around.
Anybody got any good ideas to get them to shut them up, or get them to work? I want them to have fun, but not ruin it for the rest of the students who actually pay attention.

[luckyloser700]

[guest of Japan]

My advice is just to approach them the same as the other students. Whether you hammer at them or give up on them, you'll likely get the same result. They'll hold you in spite. You might not have any success treating them as equals in the class, but they at least view you as fair and that might get you a little in the long run.

[Sweetsee]

Good advice is being given here. Sometimes switch up the routine: do some individual work, maybe a reading comprehension worksheet, maybe try a problem solving exercise, something to challenge them, preferably something dealing with money. It will quiet things down and they may rise to the occasion.
Like Guest said treat them as equal, and don't react to them or deviate from your normal cool, collective, professional demeanor.
It may be hard going but never give up on them and never stop looking for ways to help them. I have been there.

Good luck to you,
s

[Dilla-gent]

Hey thanks for the advice...but I have to make point clear...these students refuse to do any kind of work. It doesn't matter if its a worksheet, a game, or if the Japanese teacher is teaching a lesson and I'm just doing listen and repeats. These kids just talk all class, throw things, and wander out in the halls. They are out of control! I wish they would just not come to class!
My question is how do I get them to shut up so the rest of the class can enjoy the game, or hear me when I'm reading the textbook?? I doubt some of these kids will even go to high school, so maybe I shouldn't care about them, but I don't want to give up on them, plus they need to shut up!

[Glenski]

You are fighting an almost losing battle if your Japanese teacher doesn't help. Get him/her on your team. JHS kids need to learn respect before they become more uncontrollable hellions in HS.

Otherwise, use peer pressure. If you plan a game/activity that everyone really likes, tell the class that you won't do it that daybecause of little Takashi the SD.

If your J teacher and hyou are on good terms, try some western tactics like kicking the kids out of the room. You legally can't do it, but you can sure send them to the kyoto sensei's office. Get HIM/HER on your side, too, or all is lost.

If all else fails, contact each kid's homeroom teacher. That is the proper way to start problem-solving if a teacher runs into it. Insist that he/she call the kids' parents.

[kitano]

One method that works well but you have to have the support of the school and be dedicated. When students don`t participate you just tell them to come back at 3pm to do the work since they didn`t do the work the first time and then tell the school to send them to you at the end of the day. If the school is strong enough to back you up it works but you have to be strong and put in the extra effort. The kids who have to come back will hate you for a while but they will start to respect you.

[gibberish]

I've found a simple solution to this when I assign assignments. I take my chair and sit in front of the problem students, not allowing them to talk or do anything until they complete the work. There are some students who still do nothing, but soon change their attitude when they discover that I will continue to do this in every class.

[Sweetsee]

Alway set time limits on tasks.

Always begin tasks together.

Always count down remaining time.

Always praise and encourage often.

Always offer more time when ending tasks.

Always have extra material for quicker ss.

Always collect written work.

Always post top three ss' marks.

And always think of yourself first.
You are the teacher.

Good luck Dilla,
s

[Dilla-gent]

Hi, thank you for the ideas. I will see about implementing some of them. Today I talked to some 3rd year students who were not doing today`s activity, and were acting foolish, or just doing nothing. The common theme is that they don`t like English because it is difficult.
I tried to tell them that if they practice or at least try the class activities, then they will begin to understand. But they just wanna f--- around.
Do you think these students are a lost cause? Or should I keep pounding away at them? I`m tempted to give up on them, and just be content with the rest of the students who actually make an effort, but my perfectionist ways won`t let me...

[Sweetsee]

Sounds to me like you are making progress.
Students learn what they want.

An effective teacher...
1. has positive expectations for student success.
2. is an extremely good classroom manager.
3. knows how to design lessons for student mastery.

[ironopolis]

[chinagirl]

Bravo, Sweetsee!

Excellent advice.

OP, what years are you teaching? Are the ichi-nen students just as bad...or is it only the third year students that are giving you trouble?

CG

[Sweetsee]

Thanks Chinagirl, you are very kind.

I believe the OP mentioned junior high school
classes, where second year students are considered
the most challenging, perhaps.

Where and what level are you teaching?


Enjoy,
s

P.S. Love your avatar, so genki!

[angrysoba]