Korean Job Discussion Forums

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

Hello all. It's my first day at my GEPIK school and I'm freaking out. Not only do I have to teach grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6...but I also have twice weekly (thrice weekly some weeks) 'teacher's classes'....where I teach my co-teachers. I was hoping that it would be conversational and interesting, however the principal wants me to 'teach them the textbook'. What on Earth? Does anyone have any ideas for how I can make this work? I mean...do I play the games and do songs and things with them? Do I just say...this is what I will teach, I hope you like it? What would you do?

ciccone_youth · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Location: Japan

yup, i'm stuck doing the same thing.

we have three different levels, we switch every week. we have a little textbook.

with level one, the lowest one, we just read conversations and and make them practice in pairs. they just want to repeat words and practice pronunciation.

with level two, the middle one, i make them practice conversations from the book and read some articles and teach them new words. they ask many grammar questions.

with level three, the highest, i don't use the book. we just sit and chat about different topics, like cultural differences and their favorite hobbies. it's more interesting, they teach me a lot about korean culture.

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

Do you have a dedicated book for this? I think they want me to just use the student books.

ciccone_youth · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Location: Japan

yes, it's a specific book for English adult classes.

if you don't have it, you could print out articles from the internet, and easy conversations from the kid's books for them to read... or ask your director for adult textbooks.

ds_fan · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

aye, im lumped with it too. load of crap if you ask me, they really take the piss. Its not too hard, just relax and keep them happy.

btw, soon you will be asked to teach the parents too

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Ask them to buy a book for you.

Look on the OUP website for an adult book (American English) and then ask them to order it.

It might only last a couple of weeks though.

ciccone_youth · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Location: Japan

yes, they don't show up anymore after 3 or 4 weeks. they're too busy, they don't want those classes.

Rae · Joined: 10 Oct 2007

For my teacher's classes, I talk about current issues. They wanted to learn idioms and things they couldn't learn from books. We talk about movie reviews, controversial topics, tradition, and pop culture. If you establish a relationship with them, it can be the best type of classes!

I think it's important for them to get to know you. Even if your intro class is the same stuff you taught your kids, it's good to officially go over it again with your teachers. Highlight your qualifications, views, concerns, and interests. Hopefully they'll open up and the classes can run smoothly. If you're required to submit lesson plans, just include the discussion topics. State it's an extensive Q&A session with a focus on interpersonal communication and critical thinking. They won't know what it means but at least it's the truth -- plus it's a ton better than talking about crappy English Language books all day. (They might love you for it too!)

I-am-me · Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Location: Hermit Kingdom

This issue interestes me. I am planning on going to a ps soon and I notice on the GEPIK contract clause about teaching others including parents. Can this clause be excluded? Has anybody tried it? It seems like we should be teaching just the children and not free teaching to other teachers and parents. Any Ideas on how to get around it? Question

butlerian · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

Try Jazz English 1 & 2. Those textbooks are pretty decent for conversational English.

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

If you're dreading teaching the teachers just wait until your mommies' class gets going...that can be hell.

butlerian · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

ds_fan · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

wayne, whats the problem with the parents class, if got my first one on friday see

ds_fan · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

just finished it and the direcot is apparently pleased, just as well as it was a kind of taster lesson so if they liked it they could pay for 1 month of further lessons. If i cocked that one up id be in the brown stuff as the directors money was on the line.

made it simple and easy for them, worked well, though now i have a bunch of bastard screaming kids after my lunch........