Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Debate


7th period math. They were just getting started on their computers when I noticed they weren't on their assigned computers. I informed them that they were to be in assigned seats.

"Why can't I sit here? All the computers are the same."

True. But teachers assign seats so students will work. Some students can't be trusted to sit next to friends. This is not what I said, however.

"You have assigned seats in this class. You need to be in your assigned seats."

"But Mr. F isn't here."

"This is still his class, so we'll abide by his rules."

And still he argued the point. I'm not sure why. I don't think I was wavering in my resolve. But I guess I seem like I'm open to debate. So, at this point I shut it down.

He reluctantly said he'd move. Said he had to shut down the computer...

Which is an old stalling tactic. Student says he's doing what was asked of him, but it's going to take a minute. I go deal with something else to give him time to comply. Five minutes later, he's still there, now entrenched, and the battle starts again. "You're serious? But you left. I'm doing well, so please let me be..."  

The phone rang. Guess who they were calling for. He was being picked up at the main office and was going home for the day.

Saved by the call.

I got off the phone and told him he was leaving. His first reaction was to argue--he thought I was sending him out of class.

After he left, I went to shut down his computer. Had he even begun to log off? Nope. He was logging on, not off.

I'm so glad I didn't have to continue to fight that battle. I would have won, but it was nice not to have to put in the effort.

16 comments:

  1. I love that line that it was okay to do things differently because the teacher wasn't there. Got to love them for being creative in their reasoning. I do agree with you; better to have the debater leave then to have to deal with him in the classroom.

    betty

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  2. Makes you wonder what they get away with at home.

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  3. My grandson tries this very same stalling technique with me at home. Doesn't work!!

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    1. You'd think they'd figure that out eventually.

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  4. Some people will say anything to get out of doing what they're supposed to. He deserved the scare he got for not listening :)

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  5. I would not make a very good public school teacher. Are they too big to send to time out? Probably, huh? I definitely wouldn't make a good school teacher. Can't paddle them. Time outs won't work. Oh well, you stood your ground and didn't waver. Luckily you were spared any more hassle from this kid for the day. Stay tune for more drama in the classroom! :D Thanks for dropping by, Liz!

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  6. Oh boy-this is frustrating even reading this. I can't imagine having to deal with this day in and day out

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  7. "But this isn't his class"... typical comment. Grrr. You must feel like wringing their necks Liz.

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    1. Sometimes. Of course, that's when I inform them I'm going to let their teacher know they said that. They change their tune pretty quick.

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  8. I wouldn't make a good substitute teacher!

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  9. *shakes head* Funny how attached he was to that particular computer. Of course, I'm sure it was some weird sort of power play.

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    Replies
    1. Or, it could have just been the girl in the computer next to it.

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