Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mark7]

I'm sure this is a common problem for any ESL teacher, public or private. I want to see how you handle this.

You're teaching, trying to accentuate certain words, or giving instructions, and a student repeats after you, but its more mocking you. For example, one time I was telling a student to be quiet, saying something like: "Please, do not talk while I'm talking, GOT IT?" Then, a student a couple rows back fires, "GOT IT?" but in a mocking voice like he's making fun of me. Then I proceeded to point him out and told him to never do that; that's disrespect. I am sure he wasn't repeating after me so he could get his pronunciation right.

I know talking out loud in class is one thing, but how do you guys handle some students who try to "mock your voice" in class, because it totally throws me off and it is very disrespectful to me. Your input is well appreciated.

[oldfatfarang]

I wouldn't be too quick to judge. Repeating everything you say is a Korean way of learning. There's no disrespect intended. I've had to check myself a few times when even my businessmen students repeated the most inane things I've said. They're not being rude, the opposite in fact, it's just their way of showing you they're trying to learn the language. And it also gives them a chance to say some Englishee. If thekids are mocking you - you'll see it in other ways, too.

[formerflautist]

I ignore it. It's less fun for students if I take no notice of it. But I'm not a strict teacher. The kids know this but rather than take advantage, class is a relaxed atmosphere where students feel free to speak and enjoy English. I also teach high school so I imagine that's a difference.

[Julius]

Children the world over learn by mimicking and copying words.

I know what you mean- I've punished kids for doing that. In the end I realised that they're learning a lot of english by copying me randomly, and it would be extremely counter productive to start punishing them for learning in a natural way. You don't want them to feel nervous about repeating words after you.

If you react angrilly to every percieved indiscretion, the kids will do it more to wind you up, and your class will become a circus.

Get your co teacher to give them a speech about what is respectful/acceptable or not.

[venus]

Yeah, I agree with other posters - don't make a big deal out of it, ignore it.

If one student is really overdoing it and it;s obvious they're being offensive, then pull them up on it and ask them not to do it as it;s annoying. If they continue give them a small punishment liek standing up for ten minutes and they'll soon get out fo the habbit.

But mostly, just learn to ignore it just like we have to ignore the fruit trucks and their megaphone messages at 7am....

[Colorado]

Remaining cool, calm, and collected is not always easy though, is it?
In addition:
The phrase "Got it?" sounds pretty cool to kids. It's short, easily understood, and sounds kind of snappy.
I can remember a day last year when I totally lost it, pointed to the door and told one of my kids to "Get out!" of my after school class. To this day, I still hear them telling each other to "get out." They like learning new phrases that that they can use on each other.
I snapped at one kid who tried petting my hairy forearm the other day with "Don't touch me!" They liked that one too and I'm starting to hear more "Dont' touch me," in the hallways.
Like you and some of the other posters, I've jumped kids before for "mocking" me, but it's wiser to ignore it or better yet, try to make a lesson out of it.
Get it?
Got it?
Good!"

[kimchi story]

I agree with the 'ignore it' advice. I was originally derailed by it, and then moved on to the 'force myself to ignore it' phase and now I'm at the 'appear to ignore it and shoot the kid a look without breaking stride' stage. It's working pretty well.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I just turn it on its side by saying things like 'We're very smart! We love learning English! We're going to try our best!...etc.'

When they come to the realisation that you're using it as a teaching device it usually stops.

[Julius]

[twg]

When I get a kid who's repeating everything I say to be anoying, I do the following:

"Hello"

"Hello"

"Take out your books"

"Take out your books"

"Did you do your homework?"

"Did you do your homework?"

"I like to kiss girls"

"I like to kiss girls"

Then the rest of the class makes fun of the little bugger, shutting him up.

[babtangee]

[lowpo]

[Mark7]

Thanks for the advice.

I won't get as derailed...because at first it did. Yet, telling by their tone, I could notice when someone was either mocking or doing it for their own pronunciatin benefit.

Heck, I do it too when I take Korean classes in Seoul, I "mock the teacher," but she knows I'm not doing it to be a smart butt, I'm doing it to get the pronunciation right.

Trust me, I don't flip over it, but it gets distracting when you got a kid who tries to mock every single word you say.

[Alyallen]

[manlyboy]

I mock their mockery. If they repeat something mockingly, I'll imitate the way they mocked me, only with a much greater deal of flair, panache, and sophisticated comedic showmanship. It brings the house down every time. Never been mocked by the same kid twice.