RANTING/VENTING MEGATHREAD 3.0

My CT at my second school wants me to make my classes more difficult in order to motivate the students (these students are very much low-level mind you). I'm trying to tell her that they don't have motivation to begin with. Making it harder for the sake of "challenge" won't change a thing, especially when there isn't much consequence for not trying. Even games don't motivate a lot of these kids.

I'm curious as to what you guys think. Should I try to challenge the kids, or keep doing as I do? I'm not afraid to disagree with my CT, she's new to this school and I'm close to the Principal so there's not much worry there.

Definitely challenge your students. You can challenge students with things that aren't games. Consider throwing them some easy questions using vocabulary that they have studied or learned, but formulated in new ways. Constant games aren't always the best motivator, especially if they're confusing and require lots of explanation, which some games do.

Don't try to pander to their interests too much, but also don't underestimate the power of a question that's within their capacity to understand. If there's one thing almost all people like, including students, it's to talk about themselves.

Finding the sweet spot of not dead-easy and not too difficult is the hard part, though. Don't aim for something they don't know. Aim for something they already know, but have to put a tiny bit of brain power into answering.

Also, as an aside, regarding 'being close with the principal' and not having to worry about your co-teacher says about you - I believe you said this is your second semester teaching EFL in Korea. In most cases, that's not really long enough to be feeling quite that secure. And never underestimate the potential of a complaining coteacher to make your life difficult. It's always a possibility, especially for new native teachers.

I agree.

Honestly you need to actually work at it. Throwing a few games at them and making it easy isn't going to motivate them.

I've had tough students in the past and sometimes all they need is a positive encouragement and something they enjoy. There are students who don't care and will never care, that's fine. Leave them be.

You can't force them to enjoy it and if they're doing the bare minimum then it's enough. If they aren't that's their choice.

If they are being disruptive then that's another thing entirely and there are many other strategies for classroom management. Punishment isn't a good motivator, do you want the students to do the work just because they are worried about being punished?

You seem like you resent your co teacher asking you to motivate the students, maybe she knows more than you? Maybe this is what the students have told her? You're close to the principal? So what? He doesn't work with you on a day to day basis.

They key is to challenge them in a way that it appears like a challenge but it isn't really. As Based said, using vocabulary they may already know but present in a way that seems as if it is new.

 My students love puzzles, rebus riddles, "missions" where they complete challenges around the classroom at their own pace. I gear them towards their levels, with things available for all English levels. I've tried to cut down on teacher talking time as much as possible and if it takes more than a few minutes to explain then I don't do it.

Have you tried asking them what they like? or what they would like to do? Whip up a survey and ask the co teacher to translate it for you, or keep it basic.

Since they're already demotivated and as you said, games don't work on some of them, why not try something new? If your classes aren't working enough that she felt compelled to say something (Which is rare, I've never been able to get much feedback so you're kinda lucky) then it's nonsensical to keep doing the same old thing.

My CT at my second school wants me to make my classes more difficult in order to motivate the students (these students are very much low-level mind you). I'm trying to tell her that they don't have motivation to begin with. Making it harder for the sake of "challenge" won't change a thing, especially when there isn't much consequence for not trying. Even games don't motivate a lot of these kids.

I'm curious as to what you guys think. Should I try to challenge the kids, or keep doing as I do? I'm not afraid to disagree with my CT, she's new to this school and I'm close to the Principal so there's not much worry there.

Definitely challenge your students. You can challenge students with things that aren't games. Consider throwing them some easy questions using vocabulary that they have studied or learned, but formulated in new ways. Constant games aren't always the best motivator, especially if they're confusing and require lots of explanation, which some games do.

Don't try to pander to their interests too much, but also don't underestimate the power of a question that's within their capacity to understand. If there's one thing almost all people like, including students, it's to talk about themselves.

Finding the sweet spot of not dead-easy and not too difficult is the hard part, though. Don't aim for something they don't know. Aim for something they already know, but have to put a tiny bit of brain power into answering.

Also, as an aside, regarding 'being close with the principal' and not having to worry about your co-teacher says about you - I believe you said this is your second semester teaching EFL in Korea. In most cases, that's not really long enough to be feeling quite that secure. And never underestimate the potential of a complaining coteacher to make your life difficult. It's always a possibility, especially for new native teachers.

I agree.

Honestly you need to actually work at it. Throwing a few games at them and making it easy isn't going to motivate them.

I've had tough students in the past and sometimes all they need is a positive encouragement and something they enjoy. There are students who don't care and will never care, that's fine. Leave them be.

You can't force them to enjoy it and if they're doing the bare minimum then it's enough. If they aren't that's their choice.

If they are being disruptive then that's another thing entirely and there are many other strategies for classroom management. Punishment isn't a good motivator, do you want the students to do the work just because they are worried about being punished?

You seem like you resent your co teacher asking you to motivate the students, maybe she knows more than you? Maybe this is what the students have told her? You're close to the principal? So what? He doesn't work with you on a day to day basis.

They key is to challenge them in a way that it appears like a challenge but it isn't really. As Based said, using vocabulary they may already know but present in a way that seems as if it is new.

 My students love puzzles, rebus riddles, "missions" where they complete challenges around the classroom at their own pace. I gear them towards their levels, with things available for all English levels. I've tried to cut down on teacher talking time as much as possible and if it takes more than a few minutes to explain then I don't do it.

Have you tried asking them what they like? or what they would like to do? Whip up a survey and ask the co teacher to translate it for you, or keep it basic.

Since they're already demotivated and as you said, games don't work on some of them, why not try something new? If your classes aren't working enough that she felt compelled to say something (Which is rare, I've never been able to get much feedback so you're kinda lucky) then it's nonsensical to keep doing the same old thing.

As I said in the beginning, it's just a huge worry for me because they are low-level. I don't resent my co-teacher, and maybe it's just miscommunication, but the way she wanted me to change it sounded like it wouldn't have much effect. I do like your ideas, and I'll see if I can make it work next semester. Speaking tests are around the corner, so it's pretty late to really make this happen right away. 

I second the rebus puzzles and missions, anything they have to actually sit down and think it through, really. My students are very low level too, and they love these. Sometimes we'll have to throw in a Korean word to help them along, but they go crazy for them. Even my lowest level and least participatory students will take the lead in figuring them out. Especially for older students (5th and 6th grade elementary, all of middle), you have to give them things to figure out. You might be able to get away with a *short* 4-corners/find your team game if they're really restless. But I've found they much prefer action reading or sparkle die at the beginning of class really and it really settles even my most restless students.

I also try to check in with my students around the midpoint of the semester with a quick anonymous feedback survey (I ask about classroom pacing, do they feel like they are learning something, confidence with understanding and speaking English, favorite activities, something they would like to change). My coteacher translates the survey into Korean, and we give them like 5 minutes at the beginning of class to do it. Then I lead a review class while my coteacher compiles the survey results in the back of the classroom. We emphasize that we are looking for feedback, and we will not implement every suggestion. And, honestly, unless a majority of students have the same feedback (they don't like this activity, Tadpole Teacher talks too fast, I didn't understand this lesson), we don't really change much. But sometimes it reveals some stuff about the classroom dynamic that we didn't know previously, and we can adjust as needed.

People using the word "hacks" or "life hacks". Or just general lite journalism's use of douche language.

Learn these 15 life hacks - it's always obvious or pointless shit. "Fold you atm receipts into 4s. Now it's smaller and takes up less wallet space!"

You've been making your bed ALL wrong

Vietnam celebrates new year in February....and it's AMAZING

As someone else once put it, the Buzzfeedication of journalism. I see it in legitimate newspapers now.

People using the word "hacks" or "life hacks". Or just general lite journalism's use of douche language.

Learn these 15 life hacks - it's always obvious or pointless shit. "Fold you atm receipts into 4s. Now it's smaller and takes up less wallet space!"

You've been making your bed ALL wrong

Vietnam celebrates new year in February....and it's AMAZING

As someone else once put it, the Buzzfeedication of journalism. I see it in legitimate newspapers now.

To be fair, Vietnamese New Year is awesome.

To be fair, Vietnamese New Year is awesome.

Now that's using your tête.

To be fair, Vietnamese New Year is awesome.

Now that's using your tête.

That's offensive.

To be fair, Vietnamese New Year is awesome.

Now that's using your tête.

Trying not to be offensive.

I knew someone would come in with that line. You don't disappoint.

Does anybody really understand the Sunday shop closing rules?

In Anyang today we couldn't find fried chicken for lunch, but lots of BBQ places to choose from.

[Shrug]

Does anybody really understand the Sunday shop closing rules?

In Anyang today we couldn't find fried chicken for lunch, but lots of BBQ places to choose from.

[Shrug]

I always assumed that if a shop was closed on a Sunday and it wasn't a big box grocer that they were doing it for personal or religious reasons. Gobongmin Gimbap is like that. Is there a rule?

Does anybody really understand the Sunday shop closing rules?

In Anyang today we couldn't find fried chicken for lunch, but lots of BBQ places to choose from.

[Shrug]

I always assumed that if a shop was closed on a Sunday and it wasn't a big box grocer that they were doing it for personal or religious reasons. Gobongmin Gimbap is like that. Is there a rule?

Yeah, I'd agree with Donadlo and I'll also chime in that they probably open on a Sunday night. Fried chicken is more of a night time food than a day time food I'd say.

Does anybody really understand the Sunday shop closing rules?

In Anyang today we couldn't find fried chicken for lunch, but lots of BBQ places to choose from.

[Shrug]

I always assumed that if a shop was closed on a Sunday and it wasn't a big box grocer that they were doing it for personal or religious reasons. Gobongmin Gimbap is like that. Is there a rule?

Yeah, I'd agree with Donadlo and I'll also chime in that they probably open on a Sunday night. Fried chicken is more of a night time food than a day time food I'd say.

Maybe they were open later, but we tried three places. Restaurants usually do good business on Sunday lunch with both the heathen crowd and the after church crowd.

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How can it only be Tuesday right now? 

I feel like how you do when you take an overly long nap that makes you feel worse than before you took it.

something i was thinking about yesterday

they love those tv shows that shows the inside of celebrity houses in korea. but they always look so empty inside

big empty room, with an ugly sofa in the corner. maybe one of those lazyboy chairs, a mat to sit on in the centre, maybe an exercise bike, tv and tv stand. but that's it. devoid of any interior design

maybe just cultural differences, but it irks me. shrug

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How can it only be Tuesday right now? 

I feel like how you do when you take an overly long nap that makes you feel worse than before you took it.

Honestly feeling the same right now. The only saving grace is the Wednesday off 

I wish they always just put holidays on the Monday. I know a day off is a day off, but having it in the middle of the week just means we essentially have two Mondays to deal with in the space of a week 

I wish they always just put holidays on the Monday. I know a day off is a day off, but having it in the middle of the week just means we essentially have two Mondays to deal with in the space of a week 

Getting my kids back on track after a mid-week holiday is like herding cats. They don't want to do anything because they just had a day off, and the weekend is just a day or two away. While a holiday is a holiday, I guess, I would greatly prefer a Monday or a Friday off.

Found out yesterday I did pretty much get scammed out of $120 by my MT.

omw to find a cliff ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

Found out yesterday I did pretty much get scammed out of $120 by my MT.

omw to find a cliff ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

How the hell did that happen?

You seriously need to report them. I thought my coteacher last year was psychotic, but your MT takes the cake.