Korean Job Discussion Forums

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

I have a particularly troublesome middle school class that needs some sort of point system for incentive. The students in the class are all fairly high level. The problem is, they behave like kindergarteners, which I've told them before. The behavior in the class has gone downhill over the past few months. The students aren't really malicious or deliberately disruptive - some of them just have no impulse control and others just don't want to be there and don't care if they have a book/ homework, etc.

The main problems are:

The constant touching, poking, or punching of each other (thus the kindergarten reference.)

The constant talking-they frequently interrupt me, start talking when I am giving directions, talk while other students are giving presentations, etc. It is so bad that I can literally stand inches away from a few particular students, say something several times in a loud voice, and they either completely ignore me or just don't hear me because they are too wrapped up in their own conversations.

Cell phones - No matter how many times I forbid the use of phones, I still find kids, one in particular, sending text messages or playing with their phones. My next move is to have a phone box and just have them all put their phones in it at the beginning of class.

Not doing or bringing homework on a regular basis.

These students are generally all good-natured, smart kids. I like the students; I just can't stand their behavior. I can usually get them somewhat in line, but that is usually when I am fed up and have to get really stern with them. Then they just descend into sulky silence which is not really what I'm going for.

This is my rough plan so far. Maybe some of you with experience in middle school have some good ideas.

* Institute an English only rule. The students are advanced enough to do this and it will help put a stop to all the random conversations throughout class that get students laughing/ arguing and slow everything down.

* Point system - I am thinking that they could start out with 50 points at the beginning of the month. Then they can gain or lose points according to their behavior. For example, +5 points each for having a book, pencil, and eraser, +1 point for answering a question, -points for speaking Korean, touching other students, throwing things, etc. At the end of the month, the student with the most points would win a prize - something like a pen or pencil set, erasers, a notebook - I am trying to avoid candy, but if a few chocolate bars is the incentive they need, I can go with that. The rest of the students could cash in their points and "buy" things from a prize box - maybe individual candies, erasers, pencils, pens - little things that don't cost much but that maybe the students will like. I don't mind spending a little of my own money to buy some sanity in this classroom. I could even speak to the head teacher about maybe the school paying for a few things.

Do any of you with experience with middle school students have any ideas? Any suggestions? I think this will be a workable plan, but it may need some tweaking. Any suggestions on inexpensive prizes that the students might like and might get them motivated?

DosEquisXX · Joined: 04 Nov 2009

Should have done this stuff earlier. Once you lose them, it's nearly impossible to get them back.

Sounds like you came in trying to be the "cool" teacher. They took advantage and now you lost control.

Good luck.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

It's an all boys school? You'll probably have to ride it out until December, or get your KT to crack down on them.

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

DosEquisXX wrote:

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

jvalmer wrote:

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

OP, it is late in the day, but not impossible to regain control. Have a word to your director and tell him/her what's gonna go down. Don't beat about the bush - let the director know that you're not going to stand for any more nonsense.

You can also tell them that if the points/rewards system doesn't work, you're going to start separating kids - putting kids outside - getting the hagwon director to check their homework - calling parents - and generally kicking ass and taking names.

Good luck, and remember, choco pies are your friend (and so are interesting lessons).

balzor · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

mimi belle · Joined: 11 Jul 2010

I would suggest simplifying the point system.
Keeping track of over 50 points is going to drive you crazy.
Maybe up to 10 points. Give them a reward at 10. Start at 2 pts.

You don't need to reward everything.
If everyone brings their pencils/supplies for a week, then a point for everyone.

Have a list on your wall of your class rules.
Rewards can also be videos or games.