A few weeks ago, two girls (aged 18) of my English class had a physical fight during the 5-minute break between two periods. I was so shocked that I didn't quite know what to do. There has been disciplinary action but the two girls are unwilling to talk to each other ever since.
The class is split into the supporters for one girl and the supporters for the other. So, the atmosphere is very tense and it's not only the girls that hate each other but the supporters have started bullying each other as well.
I'd like to interfere (not just for the sake of teaching) but I don't quite know how to go about it. After all, they are all adults...
Has anyone got any useful ideas?
2006-12-28 09:23:59 · 5 answers · asked by Grüffelo 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
English class???? turn it into a debate with pros and cons, have everyone speak their piece and get a independent person to hear and judge it
2006-12-28 09:27:39 · answer #1 · answered by bayareart1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been an English teacher for more than 13 years, and my life experience has showed me that it is quite natural to have conflicts in an enclosed environment, especially if your pupils come from different backgrounds.
I suggest you try the following:
Talk to the class as a whole, and tell them that this issue doesn't help anyone but hurts the class as a whole. Be harsh and let them know that you are the ONE IN CHARGE in the classroom, that they're in it for a reason and that the class will be called off unless they behave like civilized people.
SINCE YOU'RE THE ONE IN CHARGE, you're free to move the seating arrangements at will, for the benefit of the class. SO, make sure you seat antagonists together.
The best way to break the ice or avoid quarrels is to have a round seating, with antagonists sitting next to each other.
Has your class become so dull that your students entertain other thoughts? DON'T LET THEM... Activate the class through kinesthetic activities like guessing games, charades or other activities that keep their violent thoughts outside the class.
And the rule of thumb is..don't mess with their private lives, they're supposed to leave them outside the class as if they were their overcoats. They can claim them back when they leave.
If things get out of hand, ask your class coordinator or someone in the faculty to help you split the group, although this is seldom a good idea: Troublesome characters always look for trouble.
These small pieces of advice are far from being a panacea, but they've helped me hold the reins of my classes over the years.
2006-12-28 09:38:53 · answer #2 · answered by Исаак Озимов 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely address the issue head on, but in a stern manner. I too agree that you make it clear that YOU are in charge. Do not let the quarrel between the two dominate the classroom environment. Just tell them that the class is for adults, they need to stop being petty, get over the incident and move on. Believe me, as a teacher, I know that these situations can sometimes be difficult to handle BUT students have to perceive you as being confident and in control or all is lost.
2006-12-28 12:34:51 · answer #3 · answered by naplady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're adults...it's English class..so talk about it and write about it. Or, try a little humor--have them rewrite the situation as a sitcom screenplay (of course, you'll need to set up guidelines). Any assignment that might give them a little perspective could help--have you thought about reading Romeo and Juliet? Sounds like the Capulets and Montagues to me:)
2006-12-28 12:03:18 · answer #4 · answered by justme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could havea debate or forum on issues that are troubling the class. That way you could clear the air and resolve some issues,for the class.
2006-12-29 11:21:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋