Korean Job Discussion Forums

Jizzo T. Clown · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Location: at my wit's end

I've been trying to get a feel for what teaching at a tech high school is like, and it looks like most of the students are low, male, and have little interest in learning English.

Can anyone recommend a good text to use, particular activities that work, or a good approach to making the most out of these classes?

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I would suggest that you think of yourself more as an English activities teacher than an English language teacher. Stick to a lot of word games, songs, puzzles, and simple, funny dialogues. In all honesty, most of the students really have no use for English, and trying anything too serious for too long is just going to be an excercise in frustration.

How large are your classes?

Jizzo T. Clown · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Location: at my wit's end

About 35 students.

Can you think of some good books?

Chicoloco · Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Location: In the ring.

I hear ya brother, I had a hard time teaching some of those boys last year. They don't really give a damn 'cause they think they will never use English.

I tried to keep them interested with lots of powerpoint shows centered around different themes and then supplemented with worksheets from books by Peter Watcyn Jones and Jill Hadfield.

I don't think using a standard text will work - you might have trouble holding their attention. Mix it up a little and if you want any powerpoint shows just pm me.

(Also I had trouble trying to get access to computer and projector but kept pushing for it and got one in the end. If you don't have one try toconvince your principal that you can't teach without it and he might be able to borrow one from somewhere)

Whistleblower · Joined: 03 Feb 2007

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Jizzo T. Clown · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Location: at my wit's end

I've been in contact with their current teacher. She says that active lessons are the way to go. The students are divided into two groups (Level 1 and Level 2). How only two levels of spoken English exist, I haven't figured out yet, but far be it from me to change things!

I was thinking about using Out and About as the basis for the curriculum--not their text per se, but as a roadmap of topics I want them to learn.

I just hope that this level of English isn't too low!

Any thoughts?

bosintang · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 10:46 pm Post subject: