Don’t say, don’t do!
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
10 things you shouldn’t say in the classroom.
1. “Shut up!” or even “Be quiet!” The first is rude; the second illogical. Students should be making a noise if they are engaged in pair or group work.
2. “Get out!” Some teachers use the “sin bin” approach to misbehaviour. If a student is so penalized, he (and it is usually a he) is given the attention of the class as he leaves (something he probably wanted), which distracts from the task the rest of the class is working on. What happens if the student refuses to leave?
3. “That’s wrong!” If you ask a question and the student’s reply is wrong, give them the chance to self correct or ask another student to provide the correct answer. Then go back to the original student to give the correct answer. If peer correction doesn’t work, provide the answer yourself, then invite the student to repeat. What’s important is that the student succeeds.
4. “Why didn’t you do your homework, John?” This embarrasses John. He either has to lie or tell a truth which will diminish him. If a student hasn’t done their homework, talk to them about it in the break.
5. “Do you understand?” Students will usually say yes even if they don’t. Better to get them to do something to show you they understand.
6. “If you do that again, I’ll….” Do what? Don’t make threats you won’t keep.
7. “You at the back!” Learn and use students’ names.
8. “Talk about it.” Specify who should talk to whom. In a discussion, task based activities often work better than topic based ones. Give a time limit and have an outcome.
9. “Don’t be silly!” Respect please.
10. “What do you call this?” Teacher holds up a one line composition from a student. The student is embarrassed.
10 things you shouldn’t do in the classroom.
1. Pretend you don’t understand the students’ mother tongue, especially if it’s yours. If you teach a monolingual class, translate and explain in your shared mother tongue. As long as the tasks are done in English, there’s no problem.
2. Write extensively on the board. Your back will be turned to the students. (They may be more interested in your bottom than the bottom line of what you are trying to explain). Use a prepared OHT or computer projection.
3. Sit at your desk for the whole lesson. You know why.
4. Point at the students. Use their names. Use an inviting gesture.
5. Get the students to answer questions in seating / alphabetical turns in a large class. Once a student has answered, they can disengage. Keep them on their toes.
6. Teach to the “good” students.
7. Confiscate students’ property. Mobile phones and chewing gum belong to them. Make sure they are in their bags.
8. Be knocked out by the bell. Allow enough time for activities to be completed and homework tasks given.
9. Apply double standards. I can be late, drink coffee, not correct homework on time, but you …
10. This is for you. What have you done with a class that you regret? Send any anecdotes or additions to the list to the web site.
1. “Shut up!” or even “Be quiet!” The first is rude; the second illogical. Students should be making a noise if they are engaged in pair or group work.
2. “Get out!” Some teachers use the “sin bin” approach to misbehaviour. If a student is so penalized, he (and it is usually a he) is given the attention of the class as he leaves (something he probably wanted), which distracts from the task the rest of the class is working on. What happens if the student refuses to leave?
3. “That’s wrong!” If you ask a question and the student’s reply is wrong, give them the chance to self correct or ask another student to provide the correct answer. Then go back to the original student to give the correct answer. If peer correction doesn’t work, provide the answer yourself, then invite the student to repeat. What’s important is that the student succeeds.
4. “Why didn’t you do your homework, John?” This embarrasses John. He either has to lie or tell a truth which will diminish him. If a student hasn’t done their homework, talk to them about it in the break.
5. “Do you understand?” Students will usually say yes even if they don’t. Better to get them to do something to show you they understand.
6. “If you do that again, I’ll….” Do what? Don’t make threats you won’t keep.
7. “You at the back!” Learn and use students’ names.
8. “Talk about it.” Specify who should talk to whom. In a discussion, task based activities often work better than topic based ones. Give a time limit and have an outcome.
9. “Don’t be silly!” Respect please.
10. “What do you call this?” Teacher holds up a one line composition from a student. The student is embarrassed.
10 things you shouldn’t do in the classroom.
1. Pretend you don’t understand the students’ mother tongue, especially if it’s yours. If you teach a monolingual class, translate and explain in your shared mother tongue. As long as the tasks are done in English, there’s no problem.
2. Write extensively on the board. Your back will be turned to the students. (They may be more interested in your bottom than the bottom line of what you are trying to explain). Use a prepared OHT or computer projection.
3. Sit at your desk for the whole lesson. You know why.
4. Point at the students. Use their names. Use an inviting gesture.
5. Get the students to answer questions in seating / alphabetical turns in a large class. Once a student has answered, they can disengage. Keep them on their toes.
6. Teach to the “good” students.
7. Confiscate students’ property. Mobile phones and chewing gum belong to them. Make sure they are in their bags.
8. Be knocked out by the bell. Allow enough time for activities to be completed and homework tasks given.
9. Apply double standards. I can be late, drink coffee, not correct homework on time, but you …
10. This is for you. What have you done with a class that you regret? Send any anecdotes or additions to the list to the web site.
This entry is filed under Class Management.
