Korean Job Discussion Forums

mog · Joined: 06 May 2004

I have my elementary students do homework between each class, parent's signature and all. They show me the next day. I sign off on the homework if they did it, and give them a sticker if they are on time to class.

Today, one of my students, who is really high strung and emotional, got all upset because I wouldn't give him a sticker since he was fifteen minutes late to my portion of the class (I'm in for 25 minutes then the Korean teacher for 55). After class he complains to the Korean teacher that I didn't give him a sticker and the reason he's late is that he's at another hogwan and can't get to class on time.

Should I relax my policy for him. Stickers seem to mean the world to him, and like I said, he's easily affected emotionally. Thoughts?

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Tell him to get a signed note from the other hagwon outlining why he's late -- that'll make it all seem legit.

Crois · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 5:26 am Post subject:

Naa he will have most probably forgotten about it tomorrow unless he is always going to be late then give him a sticker

Dalton · Joined: 26 Mar 2003

That's a judgement call. Make sure the rest of the students understand your decision if possible. You can alter policy in special circumstances but everyone has to be somewhat agreeable or understanding.

Michelle · Joined: 18 May 2003

Be warned the others will expect the same treatment.

If you have few reasonable students consider it.

If you have a large class of unmanagables, don't reconsider it is the message you are sending.

Sometimes if you are always as easy as the Korean teachers or follow their advice, the kids feel like they can go and whine to that teacher about anything you do as they will change the outcome. Once might not hurt.

it does depend a lot on the students.

mog · Joined: 06 May 2004

I think a note is unnecessary. I can imagine the look on someone's face, "you want me to right a note so that you can get a sticker?"

This isn't the first time I've said no to him. He got bent out of shape last time. He missed two weeks of class after that (I think the entire class, not just my portion).

To be honest, I'm not sure how the other students would react. Stickers aren't as important to them. They like them of course. I doubt they would notice if I gave him stickers even after being late, so it shouldn't be a big deal; however, I don't want to be seen as jello, like Michelle said.

oneiros · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Location: Villa Straylight

Never let them start chipping away at the rules.

If you really feel bad, I'd do what someone else suggested, and make him bring a signed note. It doesn't have to be from the other hogwan. You could make him bring a note from his parents, if it's that important to him.

If he's thrown tantrums before over the issue (ie missing class), then you definitely don't want to just give in. You don't want to reward negative behaviour.

Dalton · Joined: 26 Mar 2003

On the other hand breaking the rules seems to be a part of Korean culture. Ask for o-beck won or chun-un. Laughing