In the next issue of our Teacher Development Newsletter we will run an article on how our members deal with noisy and disruptive classes. A colleague of mine explains to his classes at the start of the year that pupils will be given an extra assignment if they don’t listen. He has a special folder with 10 different assignments. The class may decide which number their classmate gets. It is often enough just to mention that there is this folder waiting with extra homework. Then if there is extra work, the class may decide on the particular number, which gives them a feeling of power. How do you deal with discipline problems? Please share your ideas with us.
What do you do with disruptive learners?
Nov 16, 2010 | Comment
I have been using the “Ear message” technique used in state school tecahing in the UK.
Ear Message protocol:
1. Start with a positive
2. Name the issue
3. Give a key message
• I’m not going away
• I want you to succeed
• You belong here
4. Get learner’s input
5. End on an optimistic note
See video on http://www.teachers.tv/node/29507 available til 29th April 23011.
Thanks for the comment and the link. I was sorry to hear that Teachers TV is closing down. I also think there’s a lot that can be learned from the state school teaching sector in the TEFL sector. Fiona, are you teaching EFL or in a state school?
I teach ESOL/ EFL/ EAP/ESP to adults in a large further education college in Glasgow, Scotland. I also teach an inservice course in methodology to college lecturers who tecah all different vocational college subjects.