Korean Job Discussion Forums

[I_Am_Wrong]

When it comes to my middle school grade 2's. The grade 1 classes are great, grade 3 classes are great. However, it doesn't matter what I do, the grade 2's are terrible. I've tried so many different methods and nothing gets through. Games, roleplays, video/audio etc. I'm putting double prep time in to make these class interactive and interesting and they sit in class like turds!!! I might actually break down and cry after another one of these classes.

[JAWINSEOUL]

If your more specific about the issue i'm one of the fantastic teachers here will offer some advice. Are they slow or just badly behaved.

[laogaiguk]

It's most likely their homeroom teacher's fault. My grade 1, 4, 5 and 6 classes are perfect. The grade 1's were taught by what the other teachers call the lazy head teacher (he is). He also has the grade 3's now (so he taught the grade 1's last year, they are now grade 2 and he is the grade 3 teacher now). Those two classes are horrible. All the others are practically perfect.

[Jasobang]

Elementary schools have the one homeroom teacher who teaches everything but maybe music, ethics and/or English. They obviously have a big impact on the mood and attitude of the class. However, middle schools have different teachers for each subject. They see the homeroom teacher more but not to the point that they would influence all other classes.

What class do they have before you? Maybe the mood is ruined before they even step into your class. If it's all the grade 2's, then it must be something in common to all of them.

[Ya-ta Boy]

It might be the homeroom teacher.

It can also be just the personality of the class. There are groups/classes that just don't jell. Our Grade 2 boys are like that. Every teacher in each subject says the same thing--they won't study, they are lazy and rude.

[Colorado]

I teach middle school and I know exactly what you mean. My grade 1' s are wonderful, but my grade 2 is generally lazy, disrespectful and clueless. Every Korean teacher I've spoken with agrees. Don't take it personally. Do the best you can, but don't beat yourself up over it.

[tiger fancini]

[jaderedux]

I have been teaching in Middle School for 5 years now.

It amazes me how consistent they are.

1st year students: Giggly, sweet, curious, active respectful. Great classes and their English isn't half bad. I want to put them in my pocket and take them home they are so cute. Little candies on my desk and while not always wonderful, little packs of students screaming out the 2nd floor windows good morning Miss Jade or hi teacher. Running across the street to say hello. Nearly having to force them to leave my classroom after class. They are a joy to teach. Always volunteer and even the worst are not that bad.

Winter Vacation my sweet little 1st years morph into 2nd years.

2nd year students: surly, everything is growing at the wrong time. A few good students. Nearly impossible to engage them. Tired. See their future of studying and the grind yawning before them. Girls are being noticed and they have um...issues. Peer pressure to be "cool" is tremendous. Speaking English and being smart is DEFINATELY NOT COOL. Being a favorite of any teacher is not COOL but definately not the wayguk! Thank god there are some exceptions. I grit my teeth do my best and know they will change.

Winter Vacation and they morph into 3rd years.

3rd year students: Worried, but more fun. You can tease them about girlfriends and they can talk about themselves in a joking way. Faces and bodies have started to match. The growth spurt is pretty much over and they are more comfortable with themselves. Sense of humor returns. Junior adults. You can kid with them and make jokes. The students who don't give a rats patoot about English are usually at the very least quiet. Being smart is becoming important. Not cute anymore but engaging and those who want to learn give out severe beat downs to trouble makers. Downside the trouble makers are meaner and harder to handle but 20 or so pushups works or I have started sending them to the Vice Principal.

Don't worry about your second years too much they will get better. Some will be fine. It is their job to be surly and sullen. I was! So it is their turn. Do your best and believe it or not more than you think are listening.

God bless teenagers...it is a wonder any of us survive.

Jade

[ddeubel]

Jade,

Good summary. Should go up on a sticky or atleast into made into a part chapter of a psychological handbook.

I just finished a stint teaching at a middle school. Big contrast with my elementary school. I think the fault is partly as you so well state, the biological changes and social/peer environment. BUT I also think a lot has to do with the teaching culture in middle schools.

From the few middle schools that I have spent time in, I really get the feeling that the kids are "without love" and brow beat. Most middle schools seem like prisons, stark, dark and depressing. No wonder kids just turn off. 1st class have spent less time there and are less brutalized. Also the manner of teaching in middle school gives no students any self respect, just at the time when they need that ego boosting.....

And then we have the issue of all the kindly ladies walking around with the "sticks".

So I think a lot too is not just the kids but the educational "culture" of middle school that plays apart in apathy in kids.

DD

[zappadelta]

Yea, great post Jade.

[Hotpants]

If you have good grade 1 and grade 3, then you should look on the bright side and be satisfied with your situation. It sounds like whatever is affecting grade 2 is not your fault. You seem to be doing all you can. Just let it go. In many classes, you will find that there is a certain 'group dynamic' which will revolve around certain key players among your students. Without these key players, you can have flat, lifeless classes.