Author Topic: Unmotivated, Low Level, Middle School Boys. (Read 3143 times)

smole · « **on:** April 27, 2016, 01:55:05 PM »

Hi all,

I have a Middle School class of 28 kids. There are 19 boys who are completely unmotivated, and I've tried everything I can think of to make the lessons more exciting: making lessons culturally relevant, playing games (this worked a little but only once, when I tried to play different games they went back to being disengaged), I even have competitions with prizes. They talk over each other in Korean, quite often they talk over me. One boy has just started sleeping in class. My co-teacher sits at the back of the class to mark work. Even she says this class is difficult in other subjects. She seems fine with my other grades and classes, it's just this one causing me problems.

Their level of English is very low compared to other grade 2s, there are some students who can't even understand/respond when I ask "How are you?".

Any help would be fantastic.

(About the girls: 5 are the smartest in the class, but even their level is lower than other grade 2s, the other 4 don't speak).

tin teacher 2 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2016, 06:13:49 PM »

I hear ya. I'm at 2 middle schools: one is good, the other sucks. For my bad school, at first, apparently....my content was too difficult at least according to my co-teacher, but it was hard to tell, since the students put forth so little effort. I've started trying to play games with them to get the whole class involved, but now they just sit around being bored.

I've semi given up, but something I've heard from a few other teachers at middle schools is to try to come up with some reward system. I tried handing out basic candy, but they could have cared less. I guess the idea is to think of more mature rewards. I was just reading something from a teacher who taught in middle or high, and he set it up where he had the classes compete against other classes for total points or something, then for the winning class and student, he'd bring in Dunkin' Donuts.

Another idea is to surprise a student or a team with something good, so they don't know if there is a prize or not. Though it seems that most middle schoolers are snobby enough, that they're not going to gamble like that.

Diekatkomweer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2016, 11:40:47 PM »

I would simplify the material to maybe learning one or two structures off by heart. You could also try to build your rapport.
The reward system could work but I find that sometimes the class can just have the wrong mix of students and thus none of them will want to engage in competition.
It could also be that they don't understand your games or just find them too difficult and boring. Do some really simplistic games like words in words or scategories at first.

If none of your efforts work, then you should just focus on teaching and bringing more discipline to the class. Not all classes are amazingly fun and you don't always have to be every kids' friend.
When I've had classes like these, I make all students stand up and they can only sit once I'm happy with their answers to my questions. Students can also volunteer other students to answer your next question (they'll have some fun picking on their friends).
Making them do group work could also help them get to know eachother and be more confident.

Albaloo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2016, 12:27:30 PM »

Games games games. What textbook are you using?

Zaiterade · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2016, 12:37:30 PM »

I teach at 2 middle schools, an all boys school and an all girls school. The girls are quiet, but listen and do a good job. The boys are a mixed bag. One of my third year classes is exactly what you are describing. I personally just partially gave up...I make a plan, teach them what needs to be taught, and execute my activities. One time everyone wanted to sleep except the 5 students who wanted to learn something, so I played my game with just them, and even participated personally since there were so few players. My coteacher does nothing and usually leaves the room. I told him it is his responsibility to discipline and it's on him if he doesn't want to. Anyways my advice would be to go with the flow and help those who really want it. I'm still not a big fan of it, but it's the only way I can keep my sanity.

Diekatkomweer · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2016, 01:23:35 PM »

Don't give up though. I don't even know what you would be giving up on (fun?).

Just teach your material like the previous person said. Whatever you do, don't bring a negative attitude to the class. If you have this kind of 'giving up' attitude, it will only get worse.
Try to keep the atmosphere light, even if it's just for yourself.
And remain kind so students will be more confident even when making some mistakes in English.
It will take time but some will eventually warm up.

Dave Stepz · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2016, 02:04:00 PM »

Years ago I had a small countryside school which I enjoyed teaching in. Some groups were a little more difficult than others. So I tried the carrot method which included peer pressure too. All the students got named folders and a sticker chart just for them. If the students finished all their work they got a stamp. If they got 5 stamps I bought them ice cream (the local shop sold cones for about 400 won). This was clearly explained. But on the board in the corner I had a warning box, if they got three warnings (talking when I was, swearing, fighting etc) then nobody got a sticker. I was very strict about this. Over time as some students got stickers and then ice cream it lead to them all wanting it. It also helped them take a little pride in their folders, which I always collected back after class. I always checked they did their stuff. 5 stamps would usually mean every couple of months, as I don't believe in the short fix of giving sweets out. After a few months it got the stage where everyone was getting their stamps and all were getting the ice cream at the same time.

Also at the beginning of the class you can put the folders out on the desks where you want and change it every week. When students come in the class and they can't sit where they want, you have already taken more control of the class.

smole · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2016, 12:09:13 PM »

Quote from: Diekatkomweer on April 27, 2016, 11:40:47 PM

I make all students stand up and they can only sit once I'm happy with their answers to my questions. Students can also volunteer other students to answer your next question (they'll have some fun picking on their friends).
Making them do group work could also help them get to know eachother and be more confident.

Yep, I do all of this already. Some kids find this entertaining but it's clear to me that some kids just have no clue what's going on at all. Even basic phonetics is difficult for them, but then there are others who are just fine. I think the problem (in the English class at least, I don't know about their other subjects/teachers) is the difference in ability and that the textbook is too hard/ boring!

smole · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2016, 12:10:18 PM »

Quote from: Albaloo on April 28, 2016, 12:27:30 PM

Games games games. What textbook are you using?

J.L. Haas. DIY Fashion is the most tedious thing to teach...

Diekatkomweer · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2016, 06:11:22 PM »

Quote from: smole on April 29, 2016, 12:10:18 PM

Quote from: Albaloo on April 28, 2016, 12:27:30 PM
Games games games. What textbook are you using?

J.L. Haas. DIY Fashion is the most tedious thing to teach...

Apparently these are the lesson plans for those books, http://www.waygook.org/index.php?topic=5256.0

bjinglee · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2016, 10:08:41 PM »

Your coteacher needs to stop sitting in back grading papers and get involved. They are most likely tuning you out because they can't understand you. Make sure you simplify your language, don't give them things too over their heads. And yes, have your CT translate instructions and administrative type things or kids will absolutely not pay attention. Barring that, model things very clearly and explicitly for students.

Imagine if you were taking a Korean class that was way over your head and the Korean Teacher spoke nothing but Korean and you couldn't understand much of anything being said. Put yourself in their shoes. Even the best prepared lessons will fail if they are too difficult for the students.

Albaloo · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2016, 11:20:35 AM »

Quote from: bjinglee on April 30, 2016, 10:08:41 PM

Your coteacher needs to stop sitting in back grading papers and get involved. They are most likely tuning you out because they can't understand you. Make sure you simplify your language, don't give them things too over their heads. And yes, have your CT translate instructions and administrative type things or kids will absolutely not pay attention. Barring that, model things very clearly and explicitly for students.

Definitely. Ask your coteacher before class to help you translate things. IMO that's the reason they are there: to be a buffer and close the gap between the language barrier. If they aren't helping you, then don't blame yourself.

If you can teach 1 or 2 classes where they have fun you'll slowly start to get their respect. The best game that literally every class I've taught is obsessed with is the pyramid game. Super easy and no prep needed. Everyone starts at level 1, do the dialogue, then rock paper scissors. Winner moves up to level 2, loser stays at level 1. Each level is a different variation of the dialogue. Once they reach level 4 or 5, they must do it with the teacher (if they lose, back to level 1). I do this until there are 3 winners, depending on what I think the class needs. I don't know why but everyone LOVES this game. If you want, you can even have a prize, but I don't like to spoil them and give out too many awards (we're teaching students, not training dogs). See if your coteacher will help you model and explain the rules.

Zealot_Hill · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:57:37 PM »

Winning hearts and minds helped me... I dish out candy everyday for the winning team and have done since I arrived. It costs a little, but makes the job so much better, kids really like me and nowadays its not just because of the candy, though admittedly it started out that way.

"Hello Candy Teacher!"

zizitaji · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2016, 04:57:06 PM »

Quote from: Zealot_Hill on May 02, 2016, 01:57:37 PM

Winning hearts and minds helped me... I dish out candy everyday for the winning team and have done since I arrived. It costs a little, but makes the job so much better, kids really like me and nowadays its not just because of the candy, though admittedly it started out that way.

"Hello Candy Teacher!"

I couldn't second this enough !

I work at a boys middle school with some very unruly students. Candy and rewards change EVERYTHING. I spend a lot, but whatever makes me have good relationships with my students is worth it. It also makes them motivated, which all I want in the end( some just won't care otherwise).

Installing a student of the month or class of the month system has benefited me greatly. I use class dojo, and students are always begging for a point. The same students that used to sleep the whole class or ignore me.

It takes time, and I have had/have no support from my co-teachers as well. I hope it all works out!

robbb3490 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2016, 11:40:44 AM »

I don't think giving out candy just to get students to like you is a good idea. I teach at a Boys Middle School and I have a few absolutely dreadful 2nd grade classes. We plough through the lesson every 2nd week and most of them get motivated for the activities but when you've got a really crappy bunch of students acting up, then giving them candy sends out the wrong message. If their behaviour in class is crap then don't reward them for it.

This semester I have been doing a raffle system where every time a team wins an activity, they get to write their name on a piece of paper and put it in a plastic wallet which I bring with me to every class. If some of the students are misbehaving in a particular group, then none of that group gets to put their name in the bag. It's all about getting them to self police each other. Similarly, if one of the classes is being too loud, none of them get to put their name in the bag during that lesson, even if they win the activity. At the end of every month, I draw 5-10 names out of the bag and give them a few prizes. I buy one big bag of lollipops and it doesn't cost me more than 10,000 won per month.

Make sure your lessons are engaging too. The raffle system keeps them motivated but having engaging material will do the same. I tailor my ppts to what the boys are interested in. Just having a picture of a League of Legends character in a slide will cause sleepy students to pop their heads up. Also, if you're doing a lesson on something like hobbies, then show them some new stuff, like BASE jumping or other extreme sports. It will definitely catch their interest a lot more than the generic 'I like reading books,' 'I like watching TV.'

That sucks about your co-teacher not helping out. When I worked in High School, I taught pretty much every lesson by myself due to co-teachers not turning up or just being plain lazy. It was easy though because the students were well behaved. Middle School, on the other hand, is a completely different case. If you don't have a co-teacher's help then it can be very sink or swim.

zizitaji · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2016, 11:45:23 AM »

Quote from: robbb3490 on May 18, 2016, 11:40:44 AM

I don't think giving out candy just to get students to like you is a good idea. I teach at a Boys Middle School and I have a few absolutely dreadful 2nd grade classes. We plough through the lesson every 2nd week and most of them get motivated for the activities but when you've got a really crappy bunch of students acting up, then giving them candy sends out the wrong message. If their behaviour in class is crap then don't reward them for it.

This semester I have been doing a raffle system where every time a team wins an activity, they get to write their name on a piece of paper and put it in a plastic wallet which I bring with me to every class. If some of the students are misbehaving in a particular group, then none of that group gets to put their name in the bag. It's all about getting them to self police each other. Similarly, if one of the classes is being too loud, none of them get to put their name in the bag during that lesson, even if they win the activity. At the end of every month, I draw 5-10 names out of the bag and give them a few prizes. I buy one big bag of lollipops and it doesn't cost me more than 10,000 won per month.

Make sure your lessons are engaging too. The raffle system keeps them motivated but having engaging material will do the same. I tailor my ppts to what the boys are interested in. Just having a picture of a League of Legends character in a slide will cause sleepy students to pop their heads up. Also, if you're doing a lesson on something like hobbies, then show them some new stuff, like BASE jumping or other extreme sports. It will definitely catch their interest a lot more than the generic 'I like reading books,' 'I like watching TV.'

That sucks about your co-teacher not helping out. When I worked in High School, I taught pretty much every lesson by myself due to co-teachers not turning up or just being plain lazy. It was easy though because the students were well behaved. Middle School, on the other hand, is a completely different case. If you don't have a co-teacher's help then it can be very sink or swim.

I only give out candy when we play games, otherwise, I award or deduct points based on their attidues. If a student is sleeping or ignoring me during the lesson , they go down to zero points.If the class was acting up, their total score goes down. It's quite effective. The classes compete for a prize every 3 months.

I don't have support from my co-teachers, so I have to be creative.

Candy makes people happy though ^^

Author Topic: Unmotivated, Low Level, Middle School Boys. (Read 3143 times)

smole

Unmotivated, Low Level, Middle School Boys.

tin teacher 2

Re: Unmotivated, Low Level, Middle School Boys.

Diekatkomweer

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Albaloo

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Zaiterade

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Diekatkomweer

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Dave Stepz

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smole

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smole

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Diekatkomweer

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bjinglee

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Albaloo

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Zealot_Hill

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zizitaji

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robbb3490

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zizitaji

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