I agree wholeheartedly.
[sarcasm on]
The root cause of your problems is that you are trying to be a sage on the stage instead of a guide from the side. The research shows that all your classroom problems will be solved with the following surefire methods:
1) Put them in mixed ability groups at tables. No desks. Proximity promotes shared learning.
2) Stop giving lectures. Stop speaking from the front of the room. Stay on the sidelines like a coach.
3) Allow the students to reach inside and “discover” literature. Allow them to discover grammer, style, spelling and usage as well.
4) Let the room become noisy. talking is a good thing. It means they are sharing knowledge.
5) Allow the students to assess themselves.
60 Allow ipods. It helps the creative process.
[sarcasm off]