Korean Job Discussion Forums

[640x480]

It has only been 3 days since I have begun to teach and have already seen the light and darkness I will be facing for months to come. (Is this sentence grammatically correct?)

I met some trouble classes yesterday (middle school BTW). They were totally unresponsive and left me sighing. The difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders are huge in terms of participation. The 1st graders generally enjoy class, 2nd graders could care less, and 3rd graders will vocally disapprove of your lessons. It's a rollercoaster I tell ya'.

They judge each other right in other's faces. Nobody wants to speak out. I decided to change things up so introductions are less "shameful". I now have the kids interview each other and tell me their friend's profile. It has made it a little bit easier for them to speak out. There is still a lot of apprenhension and I'm worried about the 3rd graders that I will have to face later on today. Hopefully they will learn to enjoy this class.

To all the hard working teachers out there, thank you and please keep trying! I think the satisfaction comes from seeing your students positively change becuase of the thought and effort you put into class.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Yike, after just three days!? I could hardly put a wrong foot down for three months, but then I was the first FT most of my students had ever had.

Ups and downs - that's sure how it is. After three years there are still really fulfilling moments, like yesterday after school when one of my students went out of her way to tell me how interesting she found my lesson earlier that morning. Things like that really help make up for the all the 'why the hell can't you pay attention!' moments in class.

Reading Dave's and accounts from people who teach middle schoolers at hagwons really helps, too. It makes my students look like absolute angels.

[640x480]

I'm their 3rd FT. The 1st one was amazing and is now working for EBS. THe 2nd teacher I hear was terrible with kids. He ruled with an iron fist so the kids just kept their mouths closed. He also left with 3 months left on his contract. That's where I come in...I have to try and erase the bad taste left by the last teacher. I'm looking forward to summer camp which will give me some fun times with the kids.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[Draz]

[tanklor1]

My very first day in teaching I had a class of middle school girls who wouldn't shut up for the life of anyone. But overtime I found that they became one of the most enjoyable classes that I've ever had. On the flip side I had classes who were very quiet like yours. But I don't really see it as a problem. You have to change your approach to each class and use what strengths that they have. With the noisey classes I used their inability to be quiet as an advantage while with really quiet classes I acted in an entirely different mannor. Layed back and relaxed. It takes a while but they'll open up. Sometimes you can break the rock with a storm others you have to take it slow and weather it down with a gently stream.

[640x480]

Draz, take some time to consider what the orginal poster is trying to say. I never said I don't this job unsatisfying. I was asking teachers their view points and opinions. I love these kids actualy!

[Draz]

[Atavistic]

I find a lot of satisfaction in teaching, but it often comes in waves. I'll have days when I feel like the students and I would all be better off if we'd just stayed home and then days--even weeks--where everything is just flowing.

In the past year, a few moments really stand out. Some kids were playing with something, bugging each other, not listening. I gave them an eye and the boy suddenly pointed at the girl and said in a very exaggerated voice, "Medicine TIIIIIIIIIIME?"

It was so funny and unexpected from him. I couldn't stop laughing.

One day I was trying to act out a marriage proposal, so I got on one knee and pretended to hold a ring box. I asked what I was doing and a kid said, "Begging at Anyang Station!"

I just finished my contract and got a wonderful, wonderful card from a boy. A never says anything, never does anything student who wrote something very touching and completely in English, even though I told the class they could write in Korean. Ah! SUCCESS!

I still have students from the US emailing me every once in a while, keeping me updated on their lives. I love it. It makes me feel like it was worth getting out of bed, even on the days I wished I'd stayed home.

[Cerriowen]

I get my satisfaction from bringing my students home for some 'one-on-one' tutoring... *snickers*

Joke, joke, joke!

Honestly? I am teaching middle school too. I take some satisfaction from having a responsive class, and the kids seeming to enjoy my class. When class totally flops (which it does sometimes), I just try to sigh and walk away from it.

My main joys in life don't come from teaching anymore...
I have good co-workers that I get along with well. I have developed (slowly) a really great circle of friends here, who come and go, but take care of eachother. I have a sweet little dog who is delighted to see me when ever I come home. I have a loving boyfriend to spend weekends with.

Last year I took huge pleasure in my job, but that's because I really loved my kids and I saw a lot of progress. There were only 10 of them, and I saw them every day.

I feel for you though... do you have a life outside of work? If not, damn that'd be hard...

[Countrygirl]

[Draz]

[crusher_of_heads]

Draz, I hear you. I've got a fantastic job [ about 80 students at a PS] with oodles of time but the location is horrendous. I'm taking my chances and opting for location-If I had me one of those Korean wives and gyopo kids it would be perfect, but no dice clay.

[Draz]

[crusher_of_heads]

Luck of the draw-and that's with EPIK.

I know there will be days I will regret leaving, but I've got to get out of the sticks no matter what.