Korean Job Discussion Forums

bejarano-korea · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

I got a rebuke from the gaffer last night:

"Do you tell the kids to 'shut up' in class"

"Yes I do"

"Why do you do that"

"Because they are talking while I'm teaching/trying to take a class test/
or speaking to me in Korean"

"Can you not say 'please be quiet' or something else?"

"I do, but they understand 'shut up' much better"

"Please don't do that - it is not our culture and I don't like it"

"Well.. how am I going to get them to shut the hell.."

"Please don't do it"

"Hmmm OK"

Also, yesterday was monthly test and report time and as I was writing out the student evaluations. I came across 'Adam's' report. Adam a semi-retarded, possible future delinquent who has the language learning capabilities of a drugged up baboon got an A.

"Hmm... director, why has Adam got an 'A' ?"

"Hmmmmmmm well errrrrrm"

"Do you not think an 'A' grade is a bit high"

"Well he is good at grammar, and his writing is good"

"It isn't that good, and his behaviour and his attitude in class deserves a Z, I persoanlly think a lower mark would be far applicable"

But Adam marched out of school last night with his A. Evil or Very Mad

Whereas better students than him were given a 'B', no-one got lower than a 'B' by the way.

All this is one big con... this hagwon has as many aspects of school as a Butlins holiday camp Rolling Eyes

But why drag my arse 10,000 miles to be involved in it! Evil or Very Mad

Also I only got half a months pay for the first month "Because you came on the 16th" I don't remember reading that on the contract! You slimy Hagwon pirate!

Jellypah · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: ROK

You should say, "Please, boys and girls, if you wouldn't mind and it's not too much trouble, could you possibly SHAAAAAAADDDDDUUUUUPPPPP!!"

bejarano-korea · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Dome Vans · Guest

I found at my PS that a quick, deafening finger whistle does the trick. My co-teachers say that's fine, and it shuts up a class of 30 students directly. It's also funny to see them attempt to do it as well, and they can't, what a shame.

I doubt in Hogwanland this would "they way we do it." Shame really.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Sounds like you're a newb.

Keep at it. You're learning the ropes.

Best thing to do is to show the director that you love the kids.

Your attitude needs a bit of adjustment. Once you pass throught the culture shock phase then things will get a bit easier.

Don't be afraid to ask questions to your boss and co-teachers. Establish some sort of rapport with them. Your year will go by much faster.

Jellypah · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: ROK

I don't say "shut up" too often, but I have in some cases after I've asked them to be quiet many times and I've finally had it. The kids used to be shocked, but I've explained that "shut up" isn't really bad back home. I demonstrate how someone might use it like
"Wow! I just saw an alligator in the river!"
"Shut UP!!!"

If I've said it all serious (usually, "awww, man, shut up!") the kids realize I'm serious about needing their attention.

I wonder who complained to the director that you'd said it? You could try bringing a ruler to class and a couple sharp WHACKS coupled with a "YA!" might get them settled down. How about "shut your wee mouths?" Would that be ok?

My brother told me to "shut my mush-hole" on the phone the other night. I thought that was funny.

BigBuds · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Changwon

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:23 am Post subject:

Atavistic · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:50 am Post subject:

I never said "shut up" to my students in the States. How do you get them to "shut the hell up?" You learn how to control a class.

As for getting paid for half a month when you only worked half a month, damn, it's a good thing you're teaching English and not math.

Atavistic · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:52 am Post subject:

vdowd · Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Location: Iksan

I just write time on the board and add to it at 5-10 second intervals. At the end the students stay over for that time to focus. It took at bit of "time" at the beginning - but now when I put up a "T" or "Ti" the class falls silent or the students make other student "shut up" because they know I will do it - I will stay during the break period.

At first in March, April, it could be 5-4, 2-3 minutes respectively, then 1 minute - and I only had a 10 minute break and so did they. I have not had to use this since June at all and I have praised my students about that - start out strong and be prepared to wait it out. As I said, now I don't even get to finish the word and all become quiet and attentive.

V

nomad-ish · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 5:29 am Post subject:

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

The bad part is when one kid knows how to whistle, and he will do it over and over and over again.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

Make sure you keep a record of only being paid half a month: bank statement, receipt, etc. You may need it at the end of your contract.

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

I don't think i ever had a teacher tell me to "Shut up" even though i was a chatterbox.