Korean Job Discussion Forums

smurfystew · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Seoul, ROK

I have been working this public school position now for over a month or so. Last year I worked at a hagwon and I didn't have nearly as much time on my hands. My question is this: What do other public school teachers do with all the extra time you have during the week? I only teach for 22 hours a week but am required to be here from 8:40 - 4:40 daily.

I want some original answers. I usually just read a book or browse the internet. What do others do with their free time? Or am I the only person with this much time on my hands. On one hand its nice on the other hand makes for an extremely long day. Somedays I leave work feeling totally unproductive. I guess there is only so much prep needed for next days classes. but still...

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

I have also been wondering about public school down time. Specifically, is it possible for someone to practice a musical instrument while at work (for instance, a mandolin which is small and not particularly loud)?

Can I bring my laptop?

Also, what is the vacation trend these days? Any cities more than two weeks?

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Ooo Boy! Laminating flashcards! Why didn't I think of that! Think of the stacks you can build up in your idle hours!

(Sorry, couldn't help being a smartass).

riley · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: where creditors can find me

Don't snicker too much, Trevor. I'm starting to build up a collection of laminated objects for teaching. It's really useful and will save time for later.

If public schools have a color printer and a laminator then start looking for good pictures that illustrate/provide examples for lessons you're teaching. Or make flashcards or print flashcards. Either way, very useful for the future.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

First, I prep my lessons.
Second, I make materials and posters
Third, I search around for new ideas
Fourth, I study Korean or read a book
Fifth, I cruise the net
Sixth, school is finished.

Octavius Hite · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:19 pm Post subject:

Read, hang out on Dave's, watch 5-6 different newscasts, watch a DVD, chat online, study Korean, play solitaire, take a nap, and do some prep for class.

But since I only teach two grades I do prep once a month and then am ready to go for the rest of the month so i have a lot of free time. I may do an online degree in the new year.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

OctaviusHite is smart in the online degree idea. I've been considering it myself. Just think, you could get a higher ESL certificate, become a bartender through one of those "study at home" programs, get a degree from the University of Phoenix online or become an ordained minister.

I tend to write a lot, for myself, for freelance magazines or for future publications on social issues.

Lydia · Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Location: Sanbon/Gunpo city

Usually, I am alone in the "english room" so
I will leave a message that I'm going out on an ERRAND.
Nobody calls me to return. Other T's don't
really care where I go to.
And maybe if they do call, I NEVER ANSWER the school.
It's always business as usual.

If and when I do have spare time....I
Study Korean or Japanese.
Search for camp learning materials.
Especially games, puzzles, word games.
Search for songs, lyrics. Always have a plan for the
next day.
Write lots of emails.

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

It only took me five minutes to become an ordained minister so I'll guess the OP will have to find something else to do.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

venus · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Near Seoul

This is what happened to me. You can think of this as a cautionary tale....

At first I had LOTS of spare time and truly no other work that I could be getting on with.

So, I joined this forum and a couple of others and spent a lot of time surfing here and posting.

Then what has hapened is right now I have a LOT of work to do - preparing winter camp and some of next years lessons - but have become ADDICTED to bloody forums and can't drag myself away. I have a full social life too outside school, but I'm just hooked...

Seriously, yesterday I had four hours of free periods and I didn't do a lick of work... just sat here doing what I'm doing now and have been for the last hour in which I could have designed two more days for the winter camp...

god damn, i need will power, only post during breaks or at end of the day... must do some work.....

cornie_man · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Sparkling in Korea

Actually, I'm sure there are a fair few of us floating around who would like to know where on the world wide web we too could become ordained ministers? Lots of w's there. Also, what would be be ministers of exactly? Tell me more...

stumptown · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject:

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan