Are Students That Challenging?
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I have heard stories about UK students being very challenging; almost scary like. Is this true? I find it tough to believe that teachers are losing this much control in their rooms to a few students; or are there more than just a few students? The way it sounds is people expect these students to goof off; so they do. However, if you start out with high expectations; they should strive to meet them as long as you are fair.
Differentiation helps; no doubt. However, I also feel it is up to the students to be responsible for their behavior. People need to take ownership for how they act and tell someone if their behavior is inappropriate. We are educators, but sometimes people feel we need to raise their children as well. In my classes, I hold EVERYONE responsible if someone disrupts the class. As a result, should someone cause problems in a class they will speak to the offending student before I have to take action (Hopefully).
Let me know what you think? Thanks. |
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Hi Troy,
I wouldn't say the children are scary here but they do challenge you, much like students anywhere. However, I think that teachers have problems because the students are very different to what they are used to. I have taught with teachers from all over the world and you hear so many times "This would never happen in..." or "This isn't how it is done in...."
I came here for a new experience and it has been really hard work and some days I don't know how I have got through to the last lesson but it has developed my skills as an educator and the good points have outweighed the bad.
One thing that stands out as to why English kids are different is the disrespect. They are incredibly disrespectful when you first go into a school and this was a shock to me. I had taught kids who were violent and from really low socio economic areas but I had never experienced disrespect like this. |
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Lucy,
Thanks so much for responding! It's interesting hearing your perspective. I have a friend from the UK who came over last year to teach and he said I'd LOVE it because there was so much respect and it was vastly different from American schools. He said it was a great experience and he highly recommended teaching in the UK.
Let me ask you; or anyone for that matter: Do you receive any type of support from the administration staff? For example, do you have In School Suspension for students that are belligerent in class? Also, does the administration of UK schools tend to "Back You Up"? Meaning, do they take action on students and trust your judgement? How is parent participation? Existent, Non-Existent. I must admit, not knowing where you've taught that many US parents appear to be apathetic to me.
Thanks for the information! |
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