Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ella Bella]

I'm fine teaching 5 year olds who can't speak a word but my new class is an intensive one on one adult class. I've met her once already and she really can't speak a word! She told my boss she feels really stupid doing drills and role plays and to be honest so do I. I know she must practice things a lot to start with but there must be better ways! PLEASE GIVE ME SOME IDEAS.

[posco's trumpet]

[canuckistan]

Go to the bookstore and get "Interchange" basic or number 1 (yellow or red book) and you're set.

[bourquetheman]

Having used Interchange numerous times before, I would like to point out the SLE (Speaking, Listening, Expression) book that are published by Pagoda. They are available commerically (Kyobo, English Plus) and I've had really good luck using each level. There are three levels, and within the three levels are three books (1A,B,C. etc) The good thing is that they are written by western teachers who have taught over here, so they are specifically geared to Korean student's weakenesses. I met one person who taught at Pagoda and I mentioned how there are a few spelling and grammar mistakes in the books, to which he replied, "Yeah well our editor was Korean" and we laughed it off. Anyway overall the books are well done, have a variety of things to do, from role-plays, pronunciation drills, discussion topics and listening activities. Give them a try, sure you won't be disappointed. Sounds like she'd be a candidate for SLE 1A.

[some waygug-in]

Just one other thought, if you are tired of always using a book. (a common complaint among students in Korea)
You could try using picture cards for practicing basic vocabulary. The student cards for the "Let's Go" series would be useful. I know they are meant for kids, but just as a fun way to practice and repeat vocabulary, they would work for adults too.

Here's an idea of what I did with Let's Go - 2 student cards.

The cards can be divided into various categories: people, places, things, actions, feelings, food, body parts, time of day. I play a game with the cards where each person draws 8 cards and then they have to play cards according to a category. (similar to crazy 8's without the crazy cards)

This might not work so well with just one person though, so you may have to try it in a different way. You will probably want to start with just a few card so as not to overwhelm your student.

Get the student to read the card (if she can) and then put it in the right category.

You could play go fish where she has to match cards with similar themes
ex: taxi driver with taxi drivers etc.


I'm not suggesting that you should do this all class or every class, it's just one small idea to help bring some variety into your lessons.

Let's go 3 is good for practicing clothing, and slightly more advanced verbs.

Let's go 4 is good for practicing professions, workplaces, kinds of work etc.

They are quite pricey, so I don't know if you will want to go and buy a whole slew of these at once.

Anyway, I hope this helps.
Cheers