Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iiicalypso]

When I first started my Master's program in education (English concentration, so nobody can accuse me of misrepresentation) one of my professors said that we don't teach a subject, we teach students. At the time I thought it was a huge pile of Dean Koontz droppings but the longer I have been at it the more I realize that it is true. Being a successful teacher has far more to do with 1. the ability to foster a strong relationship with your students, 2. the knowledge of how to communicate ideas in a number of different ways so as to reach the largest number of learners, and c. an absurd reservoir of patience. At one point in my illustrious career I found myself teaching algebra, a class that I had myself failed in high school. But armed with a different view of the subject (and the teacher's manual with all the answers) I managed to involve students in the process more than the former teacher ever did.

However, it has been my experience that English teachers probably do make better ESL teachers because they are more versed in the dynamics of communication. I once had a job where I had to translate the writings of engineers and biologists into something comprehensible. These were people far, far smarter than I am, but they didn't have the slightest idea how to communicate a basic idea. People tend to gravitate towards things they are good at, which is how I became an English teacher and they became scientists. No knock at them, but I sure wouldn't want them teaching my niece.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

[coolsage]

My major was not in English, but in Education, so I was a certified and somewhat experienced teacher before I arrived on these shores (not that the experience of teaching in one's own country is applicable to the situation here), but, if one is familiar with the art or craft of teaching, if one has the basic precepts in place, and it's not rocket science, but it does involve having good materials, good preparation and good presentation all put together, and a litttle song-and-dance doesn't hurt, then it's possible to get the job done effectively, even successfully, and if one lingers here long enough, to see progress. A house painter (and I've been one) gets to see the results of his work in a day. For a teacher, it takes longer, but it does happen, and it's a sweet reward when the results come through, which is to say that somebody in that mass of students you've been teaching has 'gotten it', lets you know. That's when you know you're doing well. One of life's intangible satisfactions.

[Zyzyfer]

Since you keep repeating yourself, Mr. Kalgukshi...

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Zyzyfer wrote:

"And you don't have to point out that gagackson1 is a mod. Being a mod myself, I'm quite aware of that fact, as well as the rules of the board"

Mr. Kalgukshi now writes: Good. That's very encouraging. Have a nice day.

[wylde]

who would be a better teacher for say cooking?

an english major or a chef?

a great teacher is just that but if they teach a specific subject they should have comprehensive knowledge of that subject..

have to agree with mr. pink in the first reply to this thread... it doesnt really matter when teaching children but i am sure an english major could do a better job than say a chef..

[Mankind]

Wylde and Mr. Pink have hit it. If you major in something, than you have studied it more than someone who has not. If you do a job for 2 years, you know more about that field than someone who has not been in it.

Better teacher? Maybe no. Know more about the subject? Ya.

I teach business men, and am paid well for it. Why? Because I'm in the middle of an MBA and worked for 2 years back home (before coming here). I also happen to be a good teacher. Put someone into my company without the teaching skills, but with an MBA complete, and you see him get canned (already happened). And by comparison, put a great teacher in with no business background and you get the same result (students complain that the teacher isn't knowledgable).

If you're teaching kiddies. In truth who cares. Means nothing. But if you teach knowledgable students, you better have a $hitload more knowledge than them and be good at getting them that knowledge.

HAND

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

[bjonothan]

To be quite honest, I think that any un-educated fool could teach here effectively if they show a bit of initiative. It isn't rocket science and even if you have a degree in English, what use is it over here???? How many Koreans ever ask you a questions that is hard to answer. I have known illegal foreigners that have not studied in University and have managed to do well. One guy was quite a well know 'illegal' with no university qual. and he made up to 5.2 mill. a month. Who is better?

[wylde]

where is the subordinating conjunction teacher?

yea right.. too easy, my dog could teach that

[Mankind]

Kiwiboy learn to read the whole comment. Perahaps you could benefit from my classes.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

Mankind, I read your post thoroughly and understood it well, thanks for the concern, but I don't need classes from you.

You suggest that it doesn't matter what you know if you're teaching kids, and I'm disagreeing. I'm sure unqualified people do a good job, but if you want to do it really well, there is plenty to learn about teaching kids.

I don't drink soju, and I'm more qualified than you. So put a sock in it.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

Testing your knowledge:

Sinse a lot of you seem to think it doesn't matter what you know, and anyone can be a good teacher, who can solve this problem?

always
often
frequently
sometimes
rarely
never

These are adverbs of frequency, but one of them behaves differently, which one is it and how is it different?

[J.B. Clamence]

"sometimes"

It can begin a sentence without a helping verb.

Did I win something?

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

No. I'll wait for more answers till I give it away.