Help! Super rude high-level student

[ArmoredButterfly]

My problem is with one student in my 2nd level middle school class. His English level is very high and he seems to dedicate the entire lesson to insulting me.
For example, I like to use Powerpoints with funny pictures in them. He will yell out things like "That dog looks like you, only less ugly!" or "That is a stupid picture! Stupid like you."

Another example is the other day, the class was being loud so I explained that we would play the Starcraft game (a huge hit with all my classes) only when we finished the bookwork, so more talking = no Starcraft game. He yells out "Bookwork OK! I like the boring book better than your bad games!"

I have a rewards system in place where my 36 kids per class are divided into 6 teams, but his teams has zero points because I keep taking them away and he doesn't care at all. His team just meekly does nothing to stop him.
When I try to discipline his team or the whole class because of him (i.e. taking away games/movies) when he is rude, it makes my good students in the class really resentful because some of them try really hard, and it doesn't seem to affect him at all.
When I try to discipline him individually, he just refuses to do what I say. Last class, I told him that if he was rude, he would leave class and sit in the hallway. He was rude, so I told him to leave.
"Stand up and go to the hallway."
(He didn't move)
"Stand UP."
(Bursts out laughing and repeats 'Stand up' in a mocking voice)
I repeat stand up in both English and Korean about 9 times while staring him down before he FINALLY stands up and goes into the hall.

But here's where it gets even better. My coteacher's English is excellent so I know he understands the student is insulting me, but he does nothing and denies there is a problem. I was telling my main co-teacher about the problem student and she starts asking that coteacher about him. She turns to me and says "He says there is no problem because that student is a good student with a high English score. He says you are just overreacting." I was like "WHAT!?" She told me she agrees there is a problem, but "He is an older teacher than me, so I cannot do anything."

I seriously don't know what else to do. Please help!

[Spinner182]

I know it may be easier said than done, but is it not possible to just ignore him whenever he's making remarks like that?

Let the comments pass over you, and continue on with the lesson teaching the rest of the class.
Don't give him the satisfaction of letting him see that he's getting to you. Only engage him if he ever actually contributes something positive.

With any luck he'll get bored of doing it and stop. Or if your lack of response gets to him and he resorts to shouting the insults at you, or standing up and yelling them, then your co-teacher may actually do something to reprimand him.

As for his team who have no points because of him, try and discount him from that team when giving or taking points. Let the rest of the team benefit from their own efforts, and not suffer because of him.
Of course if they win any rewards, he doesn't get a share in them unless he actually did something good towards winning them.

If he comes out with "Bookwork OK! I like the boring book better than your bad games!"
then give him the bookwork to do, and you play the game with the rest of the class.

Hope this can help a little. Keep your chin up

[hilarity ensues]

Yikes... sounds like a nightmare! I have to admit, I haven't really run across anything like that before... but I agree that punishing the team or the whole class because of him isn't really the way to go.

To be honest, if no one was helping me I'd probably just stop what I was doing and demand that he explain to me why he feels the need to be like that, refuse to take any of his smartass answers, and refuse to go on until he seriously explains himself. If he keeps throwing insults at you, whatever you do, don't stoop to his level... and try to see through it. There's no way that a normal kid with a happy life would be feeling the need to tear into you like that...   

[flasyb]

Have you called him into your office and asked him to explain his actions to you yet? Maybe a bit of one on one interview time will help. Get to know him a little. Ask him if he can help you in class because his English is good. Ask him why he thinks it's OK to be rude to you and have him sit there until he gives you an honest, non-flippant answer. Conduct the interview in the teachers' room. I'd be interested to know if he would be so flippant there. Talk to him for at least 10 minutes. I'd push for 20 if I were you. If it's just for one minute and then "bye bye" it won't help much.

[Andyroo]

I would immediately send the student out of the class EVERY time he is rude to me. It’s very important that you don’t let it bother you or show it either. You then have to carry on with the lesson just as if nothing happened once he’s gone.

I really hate having to give out discipline because I find it tiring and makes it really feel like work whereas I normally enjoy classes but you can’t let them over step the line. You are doing him a favour by letting him know that’s not acceptable.

[minx]

Yeah I tried various approaches with my students to see what worked best. First I tried sending them out and that did not work, then I tried moving the students away from there friend and that definitely helped.

Finally I made sure I gave insane rewards for the class being good; such as a game in class or 5 minutes off before lunch break.

I'd then tell the class that if one student misbehaved after however many warnings I felt I could tolerate, then the whole class would have to stay in during lunch break for 5 minutes or no game until the whole class behaves again. This assisted the problem as if the same student is naughty all the time eventually the whole class gangs up on them for preventing them from getting off early or something.

An alternative is yes be completely friendly to him no matter what he says, just picture his face to be a puppy or something haha.   

If he gets to you, he feels he has won, but if you don't really care whether he behaves or not, then he won't have any fuel.

I tell my students straight with a smile on my face, "if you don't want to be here you, don't have to and if you do want to then I will help you as best I can, to master your English to you can get into a great University and have the job of your dreams."   

I ended up winning some of my rude students over just by being friendly and well not caring if they don't try because not everyone wants to or needs to learn English, I only focus on the students that try.

I don't discipline the students but I guess you could seeing as the Korean teachers do with their sticks.... perhaps a rubber band to the ear will sort them out ...

[ovid]

i would say.. ignore the student's rude behavior.  if you cannot discipline him, unfortunately, you'll have to discipline yourself.  don't punish the class for one person as it'll make you hate being there more than that one kid.  i had a pretty similar student and the more you call that student out, the more they like it. 

if a student insulted me, i'd just smile and go, thanks that dog is cute.. or yea, if the game is really bad, how about you help me after class or during lunch? i would turn the negative into something else.. and go on as swiftly as i can with the lesson.  if he retorts, ignore it.. or smile.  that's what kids hate most... someone who they can't piss off!

[JackWonju]

I like the 1 on 1 time. You can be a bit more intimidating without being angry, he doesnt have anyone to play up to so actually has to think about what hes saying, and especially if hes high level you can explain exactly why its rude, how difficult he makes thinks for you, all that kind of thing. There are very few genuinely malicious in my experience, so if you find out a bit more about each other it normally helps sort them out.

[cinamon]

I also have a similar problem and you really have to do something yourself.  Don't wait for your coteacher.  I know for a fact that Korean teachers don't take that crap from students and you shouldn't either.

Don't take any shit from him.  Clearly, ignoring him is not working and is only feeding his behavior because he knows nothing will happen to him.  Prepare some very boring, long worksheets pertaining to the lesson.  If he insults you, isolate him and ask your coteacher to babysit him while he works on the WS'.  He can't leave the class until he finishes the worksheets.  Make sure you give him alot or make him copy sentences for 100+ times.

If that doesn't work, ask your coteacher to babysit him while you march him over the VP's office.

Also, find out why he dislikes you so much.  If he does it to other teachers too or just you.  There must be some reason, however petty.

[ArmoredButterfly]

Thanks so much for everyone who gave advice! I think I will try to get 1 on 1 time with him when I have a chance.
I have tried ignoring him in the past, but unfortunately it usually went like this...

"Ok class, today we are going to learn..."
"NO! This is boring! Game NOW!"
"...about chapter 4, which is called..."
"Ughh teacher is so boring!"

And so on. When I finally got tired of talking over him and stopped to tell him he was being rude, keep it up and I will kick you out of my class, etc he will just start up again as soon as I resume teaching.
But what really makes me feel powerless is his refusal to do what I say. If I tell him to go stand in the back or leave class, he usually just sits and laughs. Tell me honestly guys.... Should I physically move him if he refuses to leave? I have been tempted more than once to grab him by the ear or arm and escort him out. Also, their chairs have wheels so I could just wheel him outside.  But in your opinion...
"Stand up."
"Haha NO!"
"Ok, plan B..."
What should plan B be?

[Jrong]

Wow, that's not a fun situation to be in! I would agree with some other posters that 1 on 1 time is very effective. From my experience spending even 10 minutes 1 on 1 changes everything. They begin to see you as another "human being" on the same level instead of just some strange object. Even if he doesn't like you after your talk, chances are you will "mean" something to him, you will exist as another "person" in his mind. Even though he may continue to be somewhat disruptive I think that he will feel very awkward with the idea of treating you as rudely as he formerly did. If he knows you care (by spending time with him) then things will change, I'm sure...

[Andyroo]

But what really makes me feel powerless is his refusal to do what I say. If I tell him to go stand in the back or leave class, he usually just sits and laughs. Tell me honestly guys.... Should I physically move him if he refuses to leave? I have been tempted more than once to grab him by the ear or arm and escort him out. Also, their chairs have wheels so I could just wheel him outside.  But in your opinion...
"Stand up."
"Haha NO!"
"Ok, plan B..."
What should plan B be?

I would never touch the kids or try and force them. Too risky and not really something you should have to do.

Personally the refusal to obey an instruction is even worse than the insult. I personally would yell at the kid "get out NOW" but I am comfortable doing that.

Is the K teacher in the Room? If so stop the lesson until the kid is removed.
If not go and get them and tell them to remove the kid.

[Colleen Kim]

Here are my suggestions. and I am wondering if your co-teacher is there in class.

1. When he refuses what you tell him to do,  do not try to solve the problem alone,  ask for some help from  the k-teacher. If he/she is not there, go and fine him/her or send the student to find him/her and let him or her deal with that.

2. You  also give the students  a speaking test, right? tell him that if he keeps being rude in class, he will not get any points from the speaking test which will affect a lot in his academic work in school.
 
In fact, k- teachers have a hard time disciplining  mis behaved students who are very defiant.  anyways, another tip is that ask  him  what his real problem is in your office not in fron of other students.

Actually, some students tend to test their teachers to see their reactions by teasing or insulting them no matter they are foreingers or Koreans.  they think it is fun to do that, especially when they see we feel bad or upset by their comments.   they seem like they are enjoying it. but  for me,  whenever they try to tease me, I ruin their FUN by saying "ok,  I agree.  so what~, deal with it.  hahahaha.. like that.. For example, when they say " teacher,  you are so ugly. you love that teacher.  I don't like your lesson. I don't want you to be in my class.   I   say  " I know, I am ugly  I will try harder to become prettier .  yeah  I love that teacher  and also I love you guys as well. you don't like my lessons? then that's too bad.  but if you cant' avoid it, enjoy it.   hahaha.  It is unlucky for you not to enjoy my lessons... but deal with it.  I am your teacher.  there is nothing you can do about it . hahahaha. but make sure while I am saying it., I keep smiling . CUZ I KNOW they try to get to me for some reason. but I block them by ruining their fun.

Maybe I am off the topic a little bit.  but I hope it helps.   

[eggplant_tyrant]

Yeah, unfortunately it sounds like your only two viable options are either to schedule a 1-on-1 "disciplinary chat" with the kid, or to force the issue with your co-teacher and make HIM deal with the kid. Of the two, I'd recommend the chat first, and the co-teacher intervention second if it's still necessary.

I think flasyb has the right idea about how to conduct the disciplinary chat. Keep the kid for long enough for it to get uncomfortable for him, and force some genuine answers out of him. Lots of eye contact, no anger, and lots of concern. Most of the kids who act like this are not used to thinking about their victims as people -- it makes them very uncomfortable to do so, because they don't want to think of themselves as being mean. Once he sees you as a person, things may change for the better.

If he's still acting like a monster after that, you WILL have to get your co-teacher involved, because by ignoring his actions, your co-teacher is tacitly supporting the student's rudeness. Guaranteed the student is aware of this, and that's why he feels comfortable blatantly refusing to do what you say. For this co-teacher to tell your main co-teacher that nothing is wrong is further proof that this guy has no respect for you. Unfortunately, confrontations like the one you will have to have with him can really come back to bite you in Korea, but if the alternative is having this kid disrupt class every day, you don't have much choice.

Good luck!

[Song6754]

Sometimes i feel that i'm talking to a wall even though i'm talking to a student who dont listen to me.
Case by case the method should be varied and finely-tuned. Here's my suggestion. First, let your co-teacher deal with him. The co-teacher is also responsible for the lesson. Next, embarrass the super naughty guy. If those ones are minority, most other students can ignore whatever they do. Indifference at all can be the greatest and fastest way to change their attitude. Finally fight against him and build peaceful atmostphere. Students are surprised and shrinked when native teachers lose tempers. Of course losing temper is not a proper choice but at times it really needs. Just pretend to be so mad at him to build up the tense air.

Be strong as a teacher!

[hankmcmasters]

i used to tutor my boss's son.

i think he was around 13.

he lived in canada for 6 years from aged five, so his english was amazing.  but oopsy, his mom was studying when they were living in canada, so he never practiced korean, and never learned it. his accent was terrible.  he was constantly wondering if he was 'korean' or not.

i'm an adult, and even i struggle with my identity here.  why is everything so different? why do people stare? i still ask myself these questions after three years.  my boss's son was dealing with the same questions, only he's a child, and he's actually korean.  because he cant speak korean he didnt have any friends, and his parents mostly wanted him studying rather than spending anytime with him.

after a bunch of serious discipline problems at his korean school, he was expelled.  i think he goes to an international school now.

my point is, this student probably has a reason for acting out, even if it may not be a great one.  why don't you see if he speaks korean, or just try to find out what's going on.

one on one time might help

a kid with great english skills could be a great ally to have in class

[pizza hamburger]

Not sure how advanced this kid is, but the kid probably isn't learning anything in the class as his English is at a higher level, so he's bored and thinks his teacher is a joke.  The solution is to challenge him.  Find where he needs improvement and work that.  Make special assignments for him to do while the class does work fitted for them.  Get a higher level book for him to do.  Have your co and you switch between teaching him and the class.  During game time, let him be the quizmaster.

[rth1986]

I have a 5th grade student who lived in the US for several years. His English is outstanding but his Korean apparently sounds a little off. When I started my class with him, he was a major trouble maker and wanted to say strange or elaborate things in English in front of the class. I realized that he probably wants attention for his advanced English skills, but most of the other kids simply don't care. So I dedicated a little extra time to talk to him one-on-one and asked him to volunteer more in class. It's worked well and now he's gone from being a troublemaker to a respected leader in the classroom.

I know it's not the same situation for every student, but I would make an effort to get on good terms with this student so that he is less hostile when you're doing your lesson. Tell him how smart he is and how you're sorry you can't teach more advanced English to him. Tell him that he should try to help the students around him, because they could use his help. If he does have advanced English, don't be afraid to compliment him and get him on your side.

[fishead]

 Ask him if he acts like that in front of Korean teacher.  Ask him why he bahaves so badly in front of the foreign teacher but not in front of Korean teacher. Take him down.

[WorkingTitle3484]

Refuse to teach the class with this student present. 

Tell the co-teacher that this student can sit with the principal or head disciplinarian teacher for your class period.  If a kid acts out, he'll usually do it in other classes.  You'll notice a remarkable difference in the class's personality with this kid gone.  If I were you, I'd give him once chance to leave the class, and if he doesn't, I'd physically remove him.  His behavior is unacceptable in ANY realm of teaching.

Drastic measures call for serious action I'm afraid.  Have you tried to get his parents involved?  If possible, warn him and arrange to have his mother sit in during the class.  That'll shut him up. 

It's helpful to have a chat with him, see how far you can get with him.