Korean Job Discussion Forums

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

I've been at my middle school for a month now, and think I enjoy good relations with the majority of the students here. My door is always open during free periods and between classes, and I've noticed that its usually the same grade 3 girls who always come during this time. We have some really interesting informal conversations, and they always seem so keen to ask questions and practice talking.

However, during class, this lot are the exact opposite! They don't pay attention, they clown around and gossip with each other. I'm pretty surprised at this, and am curious to know if anyone's come across anything like this

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I have the same thing with a group of my grade 1 high school students. They seem to respond very well, however, to more challenging tasks in class. They're probably just very bored by stuff aimed at teaching to the middle.

prorohiv · Joined: 02 Dec 2005 Location: Seoul

I had a similar experience while teaching at a large primary school in Thailand. I came to the conclusion that in my case this happened because they were more familiar than the other students were with me, this led to a slight disrespect for "teacher" on their part and they just couldn't be bothered to listen in class anymore. They were wonderful kids but after I realized what was happening, I had to close the door and ask them not to come in during breaks anymore. This meant no more little conversations and sharing of snacks, but in the end they started to toe the line again and started to pay more attention in class.
I'm not saying this is the problem in your case, but if it is pull back a bit and they'll stop thinking of you as a pal who they don't need to listen to or respect.

rumdiary · Joined: 05 Jun 2006

It's probably one of two things. 1. They feel like they are your friend now, so they can get away with more or 2. They crave your attention so they act out in class.
Either way, you could try telling the girls that they are very important role models for the other students in the class and you need them to be on their best behavior because the other students look up to them. Then whenever you catch them being good in class be sure to praise them so they get the attention from you that they crave.