BUMS ON SEATS EYES ON THE TEACHER

By Graham Fraser Bell and Simon Andrew Bell

ISBN 0955428300
PRICE: £16.50, €25

I remember years ago teaching a class where the culture for learning had completely broken down. The previous teacher had been unable to hold them together as a group. One boy had got into the habit of walking out of the class and into mischief on a daily basis. My baptism of fire started with him requesting to go to the toilet. He walked to the back of the class and before I could reply he had opened the door ready for his escape:

“Gavin, please sit down.”
“I need the toilet sir.”
“Gavin, please sit down”
“But I need the toilet sir.”
“Gavin, please sit down”

This dialogue seemed to last for ten minutes, but it is more likely it was no longer than two minutes. The students settled down and were watching the outcome with great anticipation. I knew that if Gavin left the room it would not be long before others attempted to go as well. I felt like a player at Wimbledon, with the students' heads switching their gaze from me to the other player, Gavin. The speed of the dialogue increased, so from time to time I would use a stalling technique to make him think I was sympathetic.

“I hear what you are saying, but please sit down.”
“I need the toilet sir.”
“I hear what you are saying, but please sit down.”
“I need the toilet sir.”
“I understand where you're coming from, but please sit down.”
And eventually he did sit down.