TEFL Donetsk

Students are not naughty by nature. They always see and follow. They misbehave because they are distracted either because they are bored or other students disrupts their focus. This lack of concentration or attention means their interests are not perked. And when they find that they are neglected, they misbehave to seek attention either from other students or teachers. This does not mean attention should be given to them every time they wants it as giving them their desired attention might provoke them to continue when they feel they are ignored but disregarding them might cause other misbehaving students to join forces and challenge the teachers. These kinds of situations can be avoided by catching their attention with something interesting. If they are bored, give them something to be interested about; a game, a story or a present. Slowly, break down their group of mischief and even give out punishment if need be. Make sure to set examples so other students will not follow; many students are not naughty, they just follow what their friends do to act and look cool. A careful look should also be taken into their social relationships. They might want attention and revenge because of family, friendship or growing-up problems. They might not get the attention they need and want from people they care; not much attention from their father or mother. An understanding should be made but before going anyway or talking to anyone, always speak with the student in question personally first before moving on to their family or friends. Some students might not appreciate us snooping around their lives. One important factor is to always avoid scolding students publicly as they tend to toughen-up and retort the teachers or TAs. This example happened during a music band class that I was supervising. For some reasons one of the children in the class misbehaved very poorly. He listened to no one and always retorted back. While punished, he would continue to disrupt the class and instigate other students to join him. The teacher was a very good teacher and loved kids a lot and I have never seen him scold or punish any children before. He himself also agreed that he does not scold children or punish them but on one occasion which is this example. He punished and scolded the boy. One reason I think for his poor behavior is because he was scolded in public in front of his friends and group mates. He retaliates by toughening-up and doing exactly the opposite of what the teacher told him to do. In a way he was trying to save his pride and face in front of his classmates. After the class ended though, when we spoke to him privately, his behavior suddenly became quite reasonable. He stood and listened to us lecturing him without retorting back or provoking anyone else. This shows students sometimes act tough because they feel humiliated and degraded. So I think avoiding a public scolding will help students calm down and listen properly. If they do not control themselves then I think it is time to bring parents into the picture. But parents should always be the last resort.