Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cubanlord]

When you are starting your class for the first time with new students, how do you transition them from not knowing anything to a daily routine (ex. everyone sit down, 3,2,1, good morning everyone, how are you, etc.).

I have found it pretty easy to do it. Right from the get go, you must be strict and let the students know playtime is over. Once you have established this, it is easy to ease up with the class. What is your take?

[flotsam]

Shouldn't this be over in Job Discussion?

[tiger fancini]

Hmm I reckon this is in the wrong place too.... When I read the title I thought maybe it was about something 'off topic' but I certainly think it's 'job related'.

[manlyboy]

During the Gallic wars in the times of Caesar, the Gauls had a law that when all warriors had been summoned for combat, the very last man to assemble at the rally point would be summarily tortured and executed in front of all as a warning. Apparently, this had quite an obedience-inducing effect.
I have found this very same principle (bringing the smack down on the first to break the rules) to be most efficacious in dealing with groups of small children for the first time. Unfortunately, to be truly effective, you must do this bare chested whilst wearing blue face paint and wielding a Celtic battle axe as you scream the ancient war-cry "shut up before I really give you somethin' to cry about"!

[Privateer]

Damn, what a first class idea. No pun intended. Ancient wisdom, eh?

From now on, the last student to show up at any of my classes will be ritually disembowelled.

[rapier]

try a focus chant, a familiar war cry that they all recognise: it will focus them quickly and easily. They all join in the moment you start it. Once it stops, all eyes are focussed on you and you can get them underway with studying.

I already have mine well organised. "We love you rapier, we do:
We love you rapier, we do.
we love you rapier, we do--
Oh rapier we love you"
(Followed by a brief and catchy handclapping.)

[Dan The Chainsawman]

Impalement works wonders.

[EFLtrainer]

In terms of basic classroom management, you are correct, OP. Batten down the hatches, then loosen up as they develop the self-control - and awareness of your limits - necessary to allow greater leniency.

As ever, consistency is the key. Never threaten, simply act.

[mole]

Honestly, I eventually gave in to the choral repetition/chanting.
They soon get that when you speak in a certain tone of voice and speed
you expect them to repeat it. Couple this with some gestures or charades-type acting,
and they soon understand.
They'll still mess it up sometimes.
One good one is "No talking out of turn." Simple and rhythmic. And can be directed at the offender.
I also use, "Stop spazzing out." But several kids combined it all.
So I hear between classes, "No spazzing out of turn."

[endo]

My philosophy is scare the $hit out of the kids in the begining of class and have them smiling and laughing by the end.