Points mean prizes... and power!

School of a weekend is fairly manic.  With over 80 classrooms, 90 teachers, equal numbers of teaching assistants and approximately 18 students per class, it’s not the place to spend a relaxing weekend.  Hundreds of students and parents obstruct doors, corridors and try to set new world records for the number of Asian people you can fit in an ‘11 person’ passenger lift.

Vietnamese parents don’t seem to discipline their children for the small annoying things, such as running down corridors, blocking staircases and shouting incessantly; instead choosing to ignore them until such time as they escalate and the parents finally crack, dragging their children by any available limb and seemingly wanting to knock seven shades of s**t out of their little darlings.  Why not just nip it in the bud initially rather than letting it get out of hand?  Use some logic people! Give them an inch…

We are all encouraged to employ classroom management strategies with our classes.  These vary depending upon the age and ability of the group, but generally involve individual or team points and stickers/prizes.  Students are deterred from speaking languages other than English and are encouraged to work together, be patient, share and help one another.  Some would call it bribery: I call it ingenious!  Add to this the concept of ‘losing face’ (see Losing Face post Monday, 4 April 2011) and students are keen not to be seen in a negative light.  The power of the points system is a mighty thing.  It’s amazing what kids will refrain from doing when there’s a sticker at stake!  Without putting these simple measures in place your ‘controlled fun’ can soon resemble the London looters and you have some 6 year old rioters on your hands, minus the flat screen TVs.

I took over a class of 6-10 year olds a couple of weeks ago.  Their former teacher was a bit of a ‘wide boy’ and had a reputation amongst the staff as a jack the lad.  I can imagine it was quite a shock for the kids when in I walked armed with English speaking games and an actual lesson plan!  The troublesome twin boys I had been warned about have since been tamed and race to stand next to me during games.  My teaching assistant now loves the class, commenting on how much nicer they have been since I took over.

Take note ‘Nam – no need for Super Nanny here: just watch me in action!

A xx