The student who yelled at me!


 Hi new teachers,

Managing student behaviour is one area many teachers struggle with and so did I. In one of my earlier schools outside India, some students sauntered late to class. I, with my traditional sense of demanding respect and annoyed at the students walking in late, yelled at them. They yelled back at me. Said that they were only a few minutes late and why am I yelling at them for that. I was taken completely aback and was speechless.

My colleague who was leading that class, heard all of this. When class got over, she called me aside and asked how I was feeling. She then told me not to reprimand students when they are in a group. She said that students are more likely to not listen as they think they have each others support. They are more likely to snicker, pass rude comments, make jokes or yell back. She advised me to call each student separately after class and tell them why I am upset. Look them in the eye and speak to them, she said. Do this for all students involved. If they are alone, they are more likely to listen to what you have to say.

I follow her advice to this day. Over the years, this is also what I have learned:

1. If any behaviour issues erupt in class, tell the student that you will speak to the student after class. Don't spend class time arguing and having the student argue back. Do speak to them after class and tell them what about their behaviour upset you.

2. Do not have any moral superiority when talking to the student. You know the student is capable of good behaviour and are not able to understand why the student behaved the way they did...that should be what you are conveying. Say you are upset and disappointed, not angry. Don't speak in an angry tone. Be calm.

3. Have class agreements. Have students come up with some agreements and you come up with some. Jointly pick five or six most important from those. In case of any behaviour issue, you can point to the agreement they have come up with, when speaking to them individually

4. You decide as a teacher where the students should sit and you group them. If you allow students to decide where they want to sit, they will end up sitting with people they want to talk to during the lesson.

Today I have a great relationship with the students I teach and I know that if you respect your students,  they will respect you back. 

Cheers!!

#myp,#newteachers,#teaching,#relationships,#students,#behaviour,#school,#ib,#learning,#leaders,#teacher-student relationships

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