A teacher asks on Threads for advice, and fellow educators share strategies to manage misbehaving students using discipline, engagement, and trust-building.
AN English teacher, @nvrsmhah, recently asked fellow educators on Threads for advice on managing a noisy, naughty class.
“I’m an English teacher. I only started posting in November. I want to ask you senior teachers—I’m teaching a Form 3 class.”
“The boys are really noisy, swearing while I’m teaching and leaving through the back door. The girls don’t bring their books and have been sleeping in class for weeks.”
She also noted that lessons had to be conducted in Malay because the students struggled with English.
Netizens weighed in.
Responses from teachers, ranging from just one year to 11 years of experience, offered a mix of strategies focused on discipline, engagement, and relationship-building.
@teacheralyaamalia advised strict classroom control: “If the class is problematic, you must be very strict and not show any leniency. Teens can sense fear. Don’t expect them to like you. You are a teacher, and your job is to teach, whether they like it or not.”
Others recommended interactive approaches.
@razifzss suggested, “Make it interactive—games, singing, outdoor classes exploring nature related to the topic.” while @chekintan_payung added, “Use theatre in class. Get them to act in front of the class, but plan creatively to fit the lesson.”
Several teachers emphasised building trust.
@noorhana79 wrote, “Sit them down and ask: ‘What makes English so hard for you?’ Let them vent. Identify the loudest boy. Give him a ‘job’ like looking after the door. Once he’s on your side, the rest will follow. Win their hearts first.”
Practical discipline tips also emerged, such as @sapri_junai’s advice to “set boundaries, reward appropriately, and take away privileges if they don’t follow instructions.”
@ms.n_nambiar also suggested ditching the textbook, keeping lessons simple, and repeating students’ Malay in English to help them learn.
Other strategies included roasting students in their own slang (@shyamrosie), using small incentives like treats (@alisazml), and designing lessons around students’ dreams (@deejazul). @nurkamilahxx noted that consistent correction of misbehaviour eventually stopped backdoor exits and sleeping in class.
Many teachers said that keeping a mix of firm boundaries, personal attention, and fun activities can help get a tricky classroom under control, making sure students stay on track, feel supported, and actually want to learn.
