Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mark7]

I started teaching at my public high school this week, and most of the kids are great, its just I have a hard time keeping them under control sometimes, especially my afternoon classes. It does not help that I'm young, and I think they try to take advantage of that. Funny thing I notice is that every classroom I walk by, the kids are usually quiet and don't say much when their Korean teachers are teaching, but when the "goofy foreigner" comes in, heck breaks loose!

To any veterans at the public school system: any good advice on crowd control in the classroom? Ways to gain their attention? My co-teachers have given me good advice such as don't turn your back when you write on the board, and be loud and imposing, which is hard because I'm short.

[kat2]

I think its really good to have a strict, laid out discipline system. A three strikes rule. Maybe first warning is name on board. second is sit in the corner. Third is they have to come to your office after lunch (instead of playing with friends). I usually make them write in their notebooks. When they finish, they can leave. Choose whatever you like as the punishments, just be consistent. Explain it and then make an example of a few kids. They'll catch on quickly.

[ilovebdt]

I teach at a public high school too.
You don't have to be tall to be imposing.

1. Do you have your own classroom? If so, get your co-teacher to make or you can make a seating plan. The kids sit where you tell them.
2. Jump on any misbehaviour straight away. Have one eye on the class and one on the rest of the room
3. If anyone is very badly behaved make sure there are consequences.
4. Walk around the room while you are talking, so they know you are everywhere. A lot of the time Korean teachers don't move from the front.
5. Stand tall, even if you are not. Don't show the students you are nervous even if you are. Learn to project your voice without shouting.
6. When the students arrive talk to them and encourage them to get ready to study. Ask them where is their pen or textbook.
7. Have a routine. Always start and finish the lesson in the same way.
8. When you are walking around the school say hello and take time to talk to the students it really helps when they see you again in class. SHow you are interested in them and respect them.

ilovebdt

[Bukowski]

If you haven't already, make a seating chart. All of my students get an English nickname if they want one (most do), so it makes it very easy for me to remember all of my kids' names (400) after a month or two. If a student is acting up, I continue with the lesson while using proximity (walk over in the direction of that student). That usually works. However, if that doesn't, as stated in a different post, write their name on the board. The next step can be them standing at the back of the classroom while holding their chair directly out in front of them (their arms must be kept straight) for five minutes.

For me, a simple facial expression works wonders.

Ask the class captain to go to the teachers' room and get the love stick (you will never use it of course, but they do not know that). Use the stick to point to the board and to the students.

Again, the name thing is critical for me. By knowing their names, they feel like I care (I don't really have to explain that one do I?), and it keeps them on task.

Arrive to class before the bell. Get them to clear off their desks of anything that is not needed (cuts down on distractions).

Best of luck,
AC

[bosintang]

[hubba bubba]

1. "Sonmarie" - everyone in the class has to put their hands on their heads until it is quiet. My old coteacher used to make everyone hold their chairs above their heads. If one or two kids keep talking, make them go stand in the corner with their hands up in the air. If they keep screwing up, send them outside or to their homeroom teacher.

2. Get some sort of "I speak, class responds" thing going. I say "Hello Class", they say "Hi teacher". Do it three or four times in a row until you have everyone's attention.

3. Carry a big stick and hit kids desks with it.

4. "Ya" means be quiet. Say it like you mean it, louder than everyone else in class.

These are common techniqies used in Korean schools (mine anyway), follow what they are already used to. It does get easier.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[gsxr750r]

Are the students sitting at tables facing each other? If so, change this. That is a good idea if there are a MAX of 3 tables with four students per table, but more than that, and it's a really stupid idea. They just want to talk with each other. My former school had such a setup just for my class, and I took them back to their homeroom seating, because classes of 35 students don't do well in a face-your-friends environment.

[Fresh Prince]

[Sody]

Interesting thread, I don't use most of these techniques cause I don't have to. But I'm not sure why the students pay attention and listen to me most of the time. I will say, however, that I agree with bosintang that writing names on the board is rather pointless. It may work in an elementary school but if you did that in a middle school or high school the students would probably laugh. I know I would. Think back to your high school days, did your teachers ever do that? Write down names on the board and three strikes you get a punishment of some sort?

I'm curious about the word "Ya" that was suggested. I've often used the words "Joyang hie haseyo." Sometimes if I am rushed I will quickly say "Joyang hie." Is saying "ya" rude at all? I've seen other students tell each other this but I wonder if I should at all? Most of my students know the words "be quiet," though.

Sody

[EFLtrainer]

"Ya" is rude, in general, but an adult to a kid it isn't necessarily. But it is among the lowest forms and conveys disrespect. It's like saying, "Hey! <Shut up!>"

There are some good idea above. I cringe at those that suggest only punishment.

1. Have a good lesson plan with as little ded time as possible, ever.

2. Do use whatever their teachers use (or a variation). They are incredibly conditioned to it. Teaching elementary, I've trained my kids in a week to respond to any command or call for attention almost automatically.

I use: T: [command] clap, clap, clap S: clap, clap, clap.

The old stand with your arms folded smiling indulgently and looking at the talkers until they stop - after being head-knocked by their peers.

3. Lots of praise for those doing what they are supposed to be doing. Pointedly, but sincerely.

4. Whatever you choose: BE CONSISTENT.

[Sody]

Thanks EFL, it didn't sound very polite so I wasn't sure whether to use it or not. I'm going to stick with "Joyang hie haseyo."

Sody