Many ESL teachers find themselves left to their own devices when it comes to coping with difficult students in the ESL classroom
. There is often little support and it can soon become very challenging. This article will give the reader some tips on dealing with rowdy students.
The first thing is to let them know who is boss right from the start and to be consistent. Set the ground rules and stick to them. Give the students boundaries that they dare not cross and enforce your rules. Quiz them about the rules so you and them are both sure they understand fully where they stand. As soon as a student breaks one of your rules make an example of them. Some ways in which you can enforce classroom rules include the following:
Put the students into teams. Take points off a team when a student acts out of line. Make a difficult student stand with their hands on there head for a while, whilst the other students are seated. Send a letter to the student's parents informing them that their child is disrupting the class and not willing to follow the classroom rules.
Give the student extra homework or lines to take home. Their parents will probably question them as to why they have been given extra work and so will make them think twice next time. Escort them to the office to chat with the head teacher. Keep them in the classroom or stand them in front of the school at break time.
Try to find the reason a student does not want to behave. Perhaps have a one to one chat with them away from the other students. Lastly, it could be a good idea to reward students who behave well in class to encourage those who don't. I hope you find these tips useful and they help you to enjoy teaching ESL.