Some of my students have complained about me

[Caribou1]

I worked in EFL teaching several years ago and I've started again a couple of weeks ago.
Back then I did it for just under 3 years, got generally very good feedback and only 3 'complaints' in 3 years, so hopefully I wasn't that awful.
Anyway I have a class of 12 students, mostly in their 20s, but we have 2 who are 18.
It can be hard as 4 of them have very limited English whereas the others are intermediate, so sometimes it can be a balancing act. I sometimes give the 4 some catch up work or if not they join in.
Anyway, they're never exactly bubbling with joy, but tonight I heard 2 or 3 complaining about me to our coordinator.
I've always found that students never come and talk to you if they have a problem, it will always be to someone else.
Anyway I heard them saying it was too easy, which I can understand as I try to cater for the low level learners too. I do think it needs to be two separate groups.
Then they stated that they want more games in the lesson, and that they're sick of answering questions.
Admittedly, I didn't think people in their 20s would be too concerned with games, but I will incorporate some.
They said they aren't benefitting from it and it's boring.
I admit I was hurt to overhear it but I shouldn't take it personally. I have 2 who said they enjoy it at least.
The students who complain are usually 20 minutes late too which is rude, but they keep doing it.
In the lesson today, we looked at the 4 skills, and I always try to generate discussions.
We looked at writing a letter or an email, formal vs informal, had a discussion about transport, did some listening and reading exercises then a sentence finishing game.
We have previously used YouTube videos and quizzes.
Would be grateful for any advice. Sometimes discussion is difficult as only one word answers are given back, which isn't their fault.
I feel a bit rubbish after hearing that, especially as I've only been there a few weeks, it's not a great start.

I wholeheartedly disagree with you (esp about what observations can be), but this thread isn’t about what you or I think re training methodology and a difference of opinion. I don’t want to derail and get away from the OP’s original post.

OP, I really hope you can get through this sticky patch and wish you all the best. You’re in a tough industry with oftentimes impossible expectations and as can be seen above, a lot of people assume the way they look at it is the only way. It’s a very personal experience with no right or wrong. You’ll find your path :-)

I planned a lesson today with games, mixed ability exercises, everything. A PowerPoint about being on time and school policy, and then the 'complainers' didn't even bloody turn up. 4 students just not shown up, the higher level ones who are always late.
One of them briefly burst in to get his bag and told me "I can't stay, ok?" No explanation, no apology.
Sod the lot of them, rude and entitled.
I've had a nice lesson with the remaining ones anyway.

It's not you! It's not you! It's not you! You're getting started so it feels like it's your fault, but I've seen that happen to others and it's not you! I want you to know that. Don't lose heart over this! What they did was so typical. Don't worry, they've probably been told they're moving down and it was a blow to their gigantic male ego! Don't worry, when they split the class for good it will change for the better, specially if they bring in new students. Don't lose heart! Your DOS is on this, so it's not you, it's them! Focus on the students you have. The best revenge is to do something awesome and for the cheeky ones outside to hear the laughter! 😁

I would raise that with your line manager

If they're late or not attending it's a bit much of them to be complaining in the first place

I told my coordinator they hadn't turned up and they said they'd look into it.
Honestly find it so pathetic and childish for a group of men in their 20s to collectively not turn up. If I'd just given them a worksheet for 1 hour and said 'do this' and ignored them then i could understand.

I’ve been there - I’d really try not to let it get you down, although I totally get it. They are the problem, you aren’t at all the problem! You’re unlikely to make a difference to their mindsets so focus on the students who do show up and engage with your well thought out lessons.

I've been there too! I don't know what happens to adults when they start language lessons - it seems they turn into kids again! The number of times I heard "aww not homewoooork!", "can we do this test together??", "ugh I don't want to do this exercise", or "nooo not the textboook!" - it's enough to drive anyone crazy! And these were all adult people from 25-60 in a normal working environment! On my last day before maternity leave, I had two lessons with 5 people in each. I knew one person couldn't make it but no one else turned up. NO ONE. I just thought... fuck 'em. They obviously don't respect you, so just return the favour. Don't take it personally. You're doing a great job!

In my opinion when they're young, they're more used to rules so they're still in learning mode, when they're older it's usually their money so they want to make the best out their classes, they want to learn, they want an education for their money!
Early 20s, it's usually the parents paying but it's not real school in their heads, as in it's not compulsory like secondary school! Some are there (only) for the experience of living abroad so it's hit or miss because sometimes all it takes is one bad apple for things to go a bit wrong. I'd bet they were probably acting like that before you came along! Good luck OP!