The rebels

From my introduction to the Japanese school system last August until the close of the previous school year in March, I was completely impressed with how well-behaved students are in class. Sure there are a few who like to cut-up in every class, but they are almost always easily manageable (and often you can feed off their energy). Almost all have a great deal of respect for their teachers and do what is expected of them. In short, the teachers speak, and the students listen/respond. Ideal.

Again this year, at the new school, most of the students are well-behaved. The 9th graders, with their all-important High School entrance examinations looming at the end of the year, are extremely studious. The 7th graders, in their first year of Junior High are mostly eager to impress.

Then there are the 8th graders. Disinterested, disruptive, disrespectful, and several other things, though none of them conducive to learning English. My co-teacher for this rowdy bunch is a first year teacher, like myself, and is equally as confused as I on how to manage them. For two reasons, it is rather impossible for me to discipline the students. One, I am an assistant teacher, and discipline is strictly the Japanese teacher's role. Two, I am neither encouraged nor sufficiently able to speak much Japanese in the classrom. My co-teacher is doing her best, but the students seem to have figured out that they can exploit her nervous and shy demeanor. Most perplexing for me is the evaporation of the rapport I built with these students as 7th graders. Students who enjoyed English last year, are now indifferent. Those who were indifferent, are now comtemptuous. As my father used to say, they need an attitude adjustment.

Today I discussed the situation with the head English teacher, an incredible instructor. Kind, understanding, patient, always encouraging, cheerful, and yet, without ever being negative or raising her voice, decidely firm. Students love her. Unfortunately, she has little time to help with the 8th graders, but she offered this advice to the other teacher and myself:

Be less strict, not more. Simplify the lessons, and make them more interactive. Forget about the textbook, it doesnt matter if they don't finish (Understand how UN-Japanese it is to not "go by the book"). And while teaching, make mistakes on purpose so students can relate to you (to translate the only Japanese proberb I know: "Even monkeys fall from trees").

Refreshing on two accounts. One, its comforting to know I have a great guide to learn from and two, I felt like my input was valued. The role of the ALT (assistant language teacher) is rather restricted, and its rare I have an opportunity to discuss education (not just lesson plans). Today my opinion was considered, and relayed to other teachers, who offered ideas (though mostly to my co-teacher) on how to correct the situation.