Classroom Tactics

After almost three weeks, every relief teacher agrees that it is so much easier being a student than being a teacher.

1. "Cher, how old are you?"
2. "Cher, you ex-student ah?"
3. "Cher, how long you staying here?"
4. "Cher, are you going to teach us?"
5. "Cher, you got girlfriend?"
6. "Cher, where you live?"

Haha, so funny their questions. They are actually more interested in asking these kind of questions than asking English questions =X.

Currently I am trying to experience the different types of dealing with students...

1) Hard approach. They talk loudly, you shout louder than them. Use threatening words like "One more time you _____, I will submit your name to _____." while maintaining a prolonged glare and frown at them, preferably standing within 1 metre of their terrified faces.

Advantage: Instil fear in most students.
Downside: You lose your voice easily. And you need to do this quite often, contrary to your friendly personality.

2. Soft Approach. Single out a problem kid, bring him to outside the classroom or back of class, making sure no one is listening to what you are telling him. Then tell him empathetically in a hushed fatherly tone, "Do you know why I did that to you? Because you are giving me a reason to. If you behave, will I have reason to scold you? No, right? I also don't like to scold people. So, next time, don't do this again okay? Understand? Can it be done?" to the obedient nod of the problem kid.

Advantage: Some problem kids need this sort of treatment when the hard way fails.
Downside: They may roll all over you.

3. The Silence Approach. Once in a while, when the classroom gets too noisy, stand still and stop talking. Look at the back of the classroom. A few obedient and alert students will tell the class to "Shhhh!"

Advantage: No effort needed, the students help you do the job of controlling class.
Downside: Sometime they simply don't care!

Three cheers for teachers!!!