Korean Job Discussion Forums

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

Has anyone taught workshops for teachers?

I am trying to get an idea of what to expect? Methods and websites that can provide some ideas. Its a weekly thing, just like a class, but for teaching new teaching methods and how to utilise conversational games into lessons.

I gather from something the principal said that its his idea, so trying to get out of it wont be an option if I want to work here. Pros is they are teachers, so classes should be ok. Negatives is they have 5 times more experience than me, so its going to be hard teaching them things they dont know I would wager.

They are also older than me, so I will have to take that into account when I teach them. Though I was told that they are to be discussion type lessons.

dam_on · Joined: 12 Dec 2006

I'm just wondering why they have asked you to give a workshop to teachers with more experience than you. I've had to give workshops to new teachers that arrived at my old school just to break them in to the curriculum, and we had workshops where we all brainstormed ideas and discussed teaching methods, but I've never been in your situation.

Why don't you aske the boss what good is supposed to come from the workshop?

edit* Will you be teaching the Korean teachers in your public school? If so, I've had experience doing this in Japan. I brought in my class material for a couple of different lessons (flashcards work well) and proceeded to demonstrate to them a shortened version of a class (with them acting as the students). I fully expected them to join in verbally (they all did) as well as physically during games and activities (they seemed to enjoy it). After each shortened lesson, I would stop and kind of go over what activites or games I used to include everyone, make things interesting, and elicit speech from the students.

Will you be required to do this on a regular basis? If so, I could see it getting old real quick. For me, it was a one-time thing and the Japanese teachers were all pretty shocked/surprised/impressed as they had never studied in that type of environment before.

Good Luck!!

Len8 · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Location: Kyungju

Those work shops usually want spoken English practice. You can't teach them how to teach English. They have their own methods that they have worked out, and which they plan to use until they retire.

You are going to have to put them in groups or in pairs with topics to talk about. After they have discussed their topics they share their ideas with the class.

You are going to have to reesearch some ESL books on teaching methodologies.

I did a two week programe for middle and Highschool teachers last winter. I downloaded Oscar Wildes "the Importance of Being Earnest" and gave every member of the class a copy of Chapter 1. I assigned the characters in the play to the best readers and had them read it. I commenred on of course as they read. I had to study the cliff notes for it quite thoroughly. Went over quite well. Only got through first chapter, but I felt it was beneficial. Found the morning hours were the best time to have them read the play. They were fresh and alert. In the afternoon they are burrned out.

Used some good ESL texts for the remaider of the day.

spyro25 · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

the first time i ever stepped foot in a classroom was to take a teachers class. talk about nerve racking! just keep it fun and conversational and you'll be fine.

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

Teachers classes can be the most fun and satisfying to teach. This is a good site for discussion material:

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

Thanks for all your ideas.

Homer · Guest

Yep...a few times.

Good ideas in here so far...if I have something concrete to add I will do so...

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

I taught a several classes this past vacation with teachers.
DEFINITELY don't concern yourself with pedagogy.
The BEST thing to do is to try to work with the teachers to increase their english speaking ability. That means that they need a LOT of chances to speak.

The most pedagogical thing I would suggest is showing them some activities or games that have worked well in your classes.

Spend more time improving their English than challenging their knowledge of Education theory and you should be fine.