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What can I do with problem teen behaviour in class?

I have an EFL class of teenagers and recently three have started misbehaving despite warnings of contacting their parents. These three are friends and when I have them on their own they are ok. When they are together it's a problem for everyone in the class.They constantly interrupt the flow either by talking, not doing the activities and throwing rubbers. Any suggestions?

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

i get what you are saying, i once was a student (almost2yrsago) so i understand how you can have trouble with them. basically i would try and split them up around the classroom, so they do not associate, if this persists i think making them move class by contacting superiors is a good idea. more importantly tho, WHY DON'T YOU CONTACT PARENTS? by just saying you will and not proceeding just shows you have no control...

ask other teachers what to do if in doubt

Anonymous said...

Try to separate them and have them near the front of the class. In fact, I've seen teachers put their desk next to the instructor's as a punishment. It makes them look like the proverbial dunce.

Anonymous said...

is there no way they can be kept behind after at the end of school to make up for the time they have lost you? I notice you said warnings about contacting their parents, have you not gone through with this? if so why not? If they have been issued warnings it is now time to contact the parents and get them in. good luck

Anonymous said...

Like the other have said, separate them and sit them at the front.
I make individual contracts. The students have 5 targets to achieve each class eg. I will not distract the other students, I will co-operate with the teacher, I will not talk whilst the teacher is talking etc. You can include I will not throw rubbers!!!
Get the parents involved in this. In my experience, the parents are always thankful for letting them know about problems, after all, they're paying the money for classes!
The contracts are filled in after each class (tick or cross) and is taken home for the parents to look at and sign once a week.
Give them a set time limit for behaviour to improve and speak to your superiors about what will happen if the behaviour continues eg kicked out of class/moved to another group.

Be firm and follow through with your threats!!
Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

First rule, dont threaten anything you will not carry out. You have warned you will contact parents so DO IT. throwing rubbers is more than just minor backchat so start getting tough.

contact parents, dont let them sit together, detentions- not with all of them present- let them get bored.

Take action NOW or others in the class will complain that you are not controlling the class.

Anonymous said...

First rule, dont threaten anything you will not carry out. You have warned you will contact parents so DO IT. throwing rubbers is more than just minor backchat so start getting tough.

contact parents, dont let them sit together, detentions- not with all of them present- let them get bored.

Take action NOW or others in the class will complain that you are not controlling the class.

Anonymous said...

Bring one of them to the front of the class and do some conversation practice.

the next time they are disruptive - bring another of the 3 out front to practice speaking english with you.

Do this every time they are disruptive - and tell them.
"you want attention - you got it!"