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Peter Jackson
Joined: 23 Apr 2006
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 Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject: Unmotivated high school class: What to do? |
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| I've had it with one of my high school freshmen classes. They don't want to do a thing. They don't even like games (when all the other classes do). They are about as low as they come. I get no support from my co-teacher who is a novice teacher who is too friendly with them (ie on their level.) I would re-sign here but not if the students continue to be so lethargic. Any ideas to get them in line? |
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Yu_Bum_suk
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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| My friend taught at a school where half his classes were like that and he found that R-rated American movies were quite a hit. |
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Peter Jackson
Joined: 23 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:34 pm Post subject: Movies |
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Yeah I'm not even sure if those would work with this bucnh!
How did he make a lesson out of if or did he bother?
I can't see these guys being able to do any kind of activity related to it...they just don't have the motivation or the English..
I've noticed a gradual decline in them, expecially since the mid-term...like they know their grades suck and they've no reason to bother..
Yu Bum Suk, have you heard any thing good about the foreign language high schools? One is hiring for March and I'm looking into it...could use some students on a language track.. |
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Yu_Bum_suk
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: Movies |
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| Peter Jackson wrote: |
Yeah I'm not even sure if those would work with this bucnh!
How did he make a lesson out of if or did he bother?
I can't see these guys being able to do any kind of activity related to it...they just don't have the motivation or the English..
I've noticed a gradual decline in them, expecially since the mid-term...like they know their grades suck and they've no reason to bother..
Yu Bum Suk, have you heard any thing good about the foreign language high schools? One is hiring for March and I'm looking into it...could use some students on a language track.. |
I don't know much about foreign language high schools, though if I ever changed schools I'd definitely look into going to one. Most of what I know is from a student of mine who went to one in Busan but then moved back to her hometown becasue she was too homesick. Apparently her teacher from Texas was a really arrogant ass.
As for my friend with his R-rated movies - no, he didn't even bother. He said he got a lot of reading done and the boys (maybe not a good idea for a mixed class) were particularly attentive waiting for the next glimps of T&A. |
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manlyboy
Joined: 01 Aug 2004
Location: Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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| Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:00 pm Post subject: Re: Unmotivated high school class: What to do? |
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| Peter Jackson wrote: |
| I've had it with one of my high school freshmen classes. They don't want to do a thing. They don't even like games (when all the other classes do). They are about as low as they come. I get no support from my co-teacher who is a novice teacher who is too friendly with them (ie on their level.) I would re-sign here but not if the students continue to be so lethargic. Any ideas to get them in line? |
Lower your expectations.
Keep trying your best, but lower your expectations. |
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formerflautist
Joined: 30 May 2006
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| Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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| Do you have set book that you have to teach? I don't have one so I asked my students what they wanted to study. Some of them have great ideas that I can work with and plan around. They're always listening to music so I'm going to be starting a unit on music next week. Hopefully that will work out but if it doesn't then I'll try something else. |
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Peter Jackson
Joined: 23 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:24 pm Post subject: Music |
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| Do you have set book that you have to teach? I don't have one so I asked my students what they wanted to study. Some of them have great ideas that I can work with and plan around. They're always listening to music so I'm going to be starting a unit on music next week. Hopefully that will work out but if it doesn't then I'll try something else. |
Yeah they seem to like music, epecially hip hop. I could do a few lessons on that.
Don't have a book to follow.
Do you have any suggestions on how to teach a music unit? |
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ddeubel
Joined: 20 Jul 2005
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| Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 3:15 am Post subject: |
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Peter,
There is a cool hip hop powerpoint on my site at the powerpoint link. I'd insert some music into the presentation when you play it. Goes into the history etc...
Also use karaoke, have the kids translate some songs. Look at some of the Korean karaoke I have up too...... instructions on how to use / download the player are there too.....shortly will post up my article on using karaoke in the classroom.
I don't know about assessment when doing this but you might also try games such as some of them on my site. Which are less about language and more about having a good time. If you aren't getting anywhere, you have nowhere to go but up. Right?
I would also play some interactive games which really are engaging for all kids. That is basically the problem with many games, as teachers play them. They are all about the 5-6 smart kids in the class. Really deconstruct any game and change it so that it engages, gives all kids interest and motivation. For example, I use a bag of money when playing some games. Even the lowest level kid can participate by picking out the big bill and helping his team.......so many other ways to do this too...
Wish I could help more.
DD |
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twg
Joined: 02 Nov 2006
Location: Getting some fresh air...
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| Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 3:49 am Post subject: |
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Teenagers are kinda like cats. They're lazy, vicious, probably don't like you, but will be willing to work with you if you feed them.
If you can get away with it, bring them some dinner |
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butlerian
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 6:42 am Post subject: |
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| ddeubel wrote: |
Peter,
There is a cool hip hop powerpoint on my site at the powerpoint link. I'd insert some music into the presentation when you play it. Goes into the history etc...
Also use karaoke, have the kids translate some songs. Look at some of the Korean karaoke I have up too...... instructions on how to use / download the player are there too.....shortly will post up my article on using karaoke in the classroom.
I don't know about assessment when doing this but you might also try games such as some of them on my site. Which are less about language and more about having a good time. If you aren't getting anywhere, you have nowhere to go but up. Right?
I would also play some interactive games which really are engaging for all kids. That is basically the problem with many games, as teachers play them. They are all about the 5-6 smart kids in the class. Really deconstruct any game and change it so that it engages, gives all kids interest and motivation. For example, I use a bag of money when playing some games. Even the lowest level kid can participate by picking out the big bill and helping his team.......so many other ways to do this too...
Wish I could help more.
DD |
Some nice work, just a shame that it's far above the level of most of my middle school students. |
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Kelly Coleman
Joined: 03 Sep 2006
Location: OKLAHOMA, USA
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| Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:46 pm Post subject: ATTITUDE DUDE |
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I am a newbie to teaching ESL and I am an Art Teacher here in the states. I do not know all the variables with your students but there are some basic psychological functions that we learn in college about education. If the subject matter does not apply to the students concerns in (their life not yours) life you will lose them. If the subject mattter does not challenge them you will lose them. If they can not associate what you are teaching them with the world they live in or want to live in you will lose them. I have a thought and it is ment to be a seed for you to think about. Have you seen the TV clip Korean Madness? this is the URL link .. please watch it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG_EBeqw3Yc&search=korean%20madness%20funny%20imitate
Can you get this clip to show to your class? Have them watch it then challenge them to do the same thing but in english? you may have to offer a grand prize for first place. another for second place and third place.. What is a nice reward for South Korean students?. You can take the heat off your self by allowing the students to vote.
Sorry just a thought and I hope the best for you
Kelly |
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Peter Jackson
Joined: 23 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 6:57 pm Post subject: Thanks |
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Peter,
There is a cool hip hop powerpoint on my site at the powerpoint link. I'd insert some music into the presentation when you play it. Goes into the history etc...
Also use karaoke, have the kids translate some songs. Look at some of the Korean karaoke I have up too...... instructions on how to use / download the player are there too.....shortly will post up my article on using karaoke in the classroom.
I don't know about assessment when doing this but you might also try games such as some of them on my site. Which are less about language and more about having a good time. If you aren't getting anywhere, you have nowhere to go but up. Right?
I would also play some interactive games which really are engaging for all kids. That is basically the problem with many games, as teachers play them. They are all about the 5-6 smart kids in the class. Really deconstruct any game and change it so that it engages, gives all kids interest and motivation. For example, I use a bag of money when playing some games. Even the lowest level kid can participate by picking out the big bill and helping his team.......so many other ways to do this too...
Wish I could help more.
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Thanks a lot! If I knew you in person I would buy you a beer (or whatever)!
Great work. I found the Hiphop and Karaoke particularly useful.
Have a great day!  |
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