Teaching Monkeys as Students

[Niko]

Lack of Respect by Students

If you haven't yet started your teaching career, and you plan to teach children at some stage, then I'm sure you will come across the ratbag student.

As a student, I always gave utmost respect to my teachers. The teacher was seen as an almighty, someone with wisdom who was willing to pass on this knowledge. Perhaps these days are now gone forever.

I'm now in my 50's, and have noted the behavior of students is now rapidly deteriorating. Whether teaching in Taiwan, Vietnam or wherever, students are students and this has been general across the board.

My question belongs with the parents. What the hell are they doing when bringing up their children? Surely they can't expect to pass this important role onto teachers... We are here to help but not take on this job solely.

So what should we do? Simple. Keep a strict classroom from the very beginning. As soon as a student steps out of line, observe the situation. Allow it only if it doesn't escalate into bigger things. I do give my students leeway, but I never let them carry on like a bunch of monkeys. And believe me, there are:

Many teachers babysitting monkeys rather than teaching students.

Arnold L.
(English Teacher - Shanghai, China)