Job Discussion Forums

[Maxximus]

I am currently considering a position teaching college age students. I taught kindy last year in Korea but I'm wondering, is it that much more difficult to teach adults than kids? Teaching kids was easy obviously but don't want to get in over my head by teaching adults unless I'm sure I can handle it.

I had a bit of a crappy time last year, because my school was terrible so this year I am trying to take it a bit easier (less extra work, less teaching hours, etc.) Hoping someone can help me out making my decision.

[suanlatudousi]

They are very different

Teach only what you are qualified to do

If you're already trying to fine less work then why not just return home ?

This is the problem with teaching here - people pick and choose only what they want so they can do as little as possible, to make more money

Piece meal teaching

So unfortunate

[Maxximus]

Actually, I am back home. I don't see how working in my home country will be less work.

[suanlatudousi]

I referenced "people" wanting to make more money - not you

[Maxximus]

I apologize. I Just don't want anyone to think I'm one of those "people". I'm not looking to the make the most money for the least amount of hours, I'm looking for the best work environment I can find. I was cheated out of a fair amount of money last year in Korea and would rather not have that repeated.

[theincredibleegg]

[eddy-cool]

It really depebnds on your skills and ability to empathise! Also, whether you are professional or amateur.

I found teaching kindergarten-age learners a whole world easier than teaching students that had been damaged through ten years of classroom confrontation with a teacher.

Adult 'learners' often need to be reprogrammed, i.e. they have to learn anew (from you, that is) how to effectively acquire language; their formal English classes have made them dependent upon their teachers. The notion that 'knowledge is power' simply has an ear-shattering echo in China, it is an empty vessel. Students lack the power to make effective use of all the 'knowledge' they have gathered for so many years.

But at pre-school level your kids are unspoilt by these mind-deforming experiences. They can acquire English without depending on word-by-word translation.

Much hinges on the freedoms granted you, of course; in many kindies government regulations and rules interfere with enlightened teaching.

Anyway, I had my best time working in a kindergarten, and am having a wonderful time now with 'adult' students (luckily, not in a state-owned institution). I love my present job nearly or possibly as much as that kindy position.

[bradley]

Well, for one, it is about personality. Some people have a difficult time teaching children and others have a difficult time teaching adults.

And for two, what will you be teaching adults? How will you be teaching them?

[Maxximus]

Well in my contract it just says "conduct English lessons" They haven't given me any details on how I'll be teaching them or if there is training involved, the guy I've been in contact with doesn't seem to be too on the ball.

I really enjoyed teaching the little kids but I wanted to teach older students to get some experience so I'm not so one dimensional.

[Itsme]

Kids if you have an excellent, and I mean excellent, teaching assistant. If not then you are going to be tired all day. The plus side is that your voice will become very strong and you will get to be a kid again.

Adults for private lessons, as they are generally more interesting..... but sometimes less interestED. You will probably find yourself dealing with stuff you would rather not have to deal with, as others in the board have shared. Example: students anonymously texting you saying how much your class sucks, etc. The plus is that you will probably get into less trouble dating within group two than in group one.

[Maxximus]

I didn't have a TA at all last year and I was fine, a bit tired some days but it was worth it.

As far as dating goes I already have a gf in China so I think I'll stay away from both of these groups haha.

[nickpellatt]

I socialise with some adult students (mixed nationality) from a private language school in my hometown. Its a good school, with some outstanding teachers yet the students I am friends with, complaint constantly about the standards of teaching and the syllabus.

I think thats the difficult thing with adults is the level of expectation is very high. This is possibly more so with Chinese students due to the way they have been educated already. The downside is they may not tell you this...but instead complain elsewhere..

[Cat Attack]

I've taught both, but not much of adult teaching (only private lessons of 2 at a time). Although adults may be more interested in learning English, to me classes are boring and unmotivating for me as a teacher. I have had great feedback from my students about the classs, but I would much rather teach children where I can jump around and be a goof. For me it's less intimidating and lots more fun to teach children.

I think it really just depends on the person.