Korean Job Discussion Forums

[angela]

generations? I heard there are 37,000 teachers here ??? and we all teach probably 60-80 students per semester, correct? Basically, almost every child in South Korea has daily contact with foreigners and we form very close bonds with many of them. So, how are we affecting them, especially in the way they view the world, our country, their country and maybe just their overall world view? Their parents seem to be very nervous around us probably due to their English skills not being totally polished. But these kids are being influenced by us guys every day. In fact, I bet we spend more time with them on a close basis, than their parents do. What do you think? What will be the future ramifications on the next generation of Korea leaders? citizens in general?? Will they be more open to the world, be more self-confident in new situations that involve other nationalities? Am I fishing for a philosophical reward for my great works in Korea? Ha Ha! I guess I just hope that we all make a difference, and I think it will be fascinating to return here in 20 years to see the changes.

[Circus Monkey]

angela,

37000 teachers or do you mean US troops? Anyhow, I'd like to believe that us English native speaker teachers are making a difference. However, unless foreigners make up a significant minority in Korea (and they don't now) or if more foreigners wield more decision-making power, the difference will be minimal, at least in regards to overall effect. I'm not discounting the individual impact that a teacher may have on a student.

CM

[Corporal]

I would have to say that so-called teachers using improper English definitely has a bad EFFECT (not affect) on their students.

[Zyzyfer]

Too many kids regard their teacher as pure entertainment value.

[william beckerson]

Here's how I see it:

In about ten to fifteen years, when this current generation grows up and realizes what a lie "English makes life better" is, they're going to be angry rebels who'll make it a point to NOT send their kids to a hagwon of any sort because they dont want them to go with out decent sleep like they did.

Assuming Korea isnt turned into a smoking crater within the next little while.

[Circus Monkey]

[mithridates]

Considering that Japan is one of the worst countries in Asia at English, and was even worse before when it was at its economic height, I don't see much correlation between English ability and success. If one's products are good enough people will flock to your country to come buy them. Consider India, Pakistan and the Philippines and their superb English level, then compare it to Japan and Korea's. I remain unconvinced that better English=better life. Every day of teaching English also makes me realize that English teaching is an industry, not a collection of schools who's noble ideal is to improve everybody's life through education. Most hagwons and other language schools have managed to convince people that they are the sole source of English education and that music, comic books, tv, making English friends, and all other methods are useless.
It is even more extreme over in Vancouver. Vancouver has a magnificent library with seven floors of wonder and volumes of all sorts, but 90% of the Koreans I spotted there would come in, sit down and take out none other than a TOEFL textbook.

[Circus Monkey]

I guess it comes down to whether a person views English as a tool or something to expand one's mind with. Obviously there are two camps here: 1) a second language will help you be more successful and 2) it doesn't help at all.

CM

[Tiger Beer]

[mithridates]

I wasn't hinting at a reverse correlation between English ability and economic strength with the examples of the Phillipines and so on, just pointing out that it can be healthy to become to concerned with one's country's English ability at the expense of other things. Korea is impressive though, that's quite true. I worry about how much of the English curriculum is promoted because it needs to be and how much is because English schools have done an amazing PR job of what a magical ticket to the rest of the world English can be.
...

[william beckerson]

What he said.

[tomato]

I hope that the good teachers will:

serve as a model for students who will later become English teachers
serve as a point for comparison for students who will later become parents sending their kids to English schools

[waterbaby]

I was having a bit of a whinge to a foreign teacher friend about the futility of trying to teach kids at a large chain hogwan and she gave me a bit of advice that I've never forgotten. She said that if we are giving these kids a bit of love, treating them with humour and kindness and showing them that foreigners aren't bad and scary people then we're doing a good job. Some things like giving kids confidence around foreign adults are just as important as teaching them English... or trying to teach them... and I take this with me into the classroom everyday. It's my philosophical reward anyway.

[angela]

I agree with the "Little Love'n Kindness" above. I feel that creating a bond with the kids is the most fulfilling thing. I might have been a different teaching situation while in Korea the last few years than some of you who say we are just entertainers. Most of my students are very good at English, and learn very quickly. I compare my Korean skills to their English skills, and I am a very poor student. I love the dogged determination of the Koreans, no matter what happens to me in my everyday life here, no matter how negative they might treat me occasionally. You just gotta love their drive to succeed. I hope we all do make a difference, that is all. I think we can all make a difference, and leave things here a little bit better than we found them. They will remember us hopefully in a positive way, and when they are adults I think that will influence the way they see the world. Forever the optimist.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Angela wrote: