A class points system worked for me!
In ESL classes, there’s often this mix of teaching and fun, where teachers can end up being more like entertainers. I tried to find a balance between keeping things light and making sure that the students actually learned something. I’d joke around but also correct grammar and pronunciation gently, and throw in some of their native language here and there to show it’s okay to mess up.
But when I got a new job and moved to another school, things were different. I got fed up with students chatting while I was talking and treating class like hangout time. So, I decided to get serious. I made it crystal clear what the rules were: no talking when someone else is speaking, no phones, do your work when you’re supposed to, and don’t be late. I laid down consequences too – lose class points for breaking a rule. I put the rules up on the board and had everyone read them out loud together. Then one of the better English speakers translated them into Thai.
Once that was done, we got into the lesson. And you know what? It worked. Most of the behavior problems disappeared. Some classes needed more reminders, but overall, things got way better.
Kelvin
