Korean Job Discussion Forums

[withnail]

Yes it�s true - I do let my students watch episodes/parts of episodes of Friends with Korean subtitles. Why? Let me summarise the case for the prosecution. Then my defence!

Prosecution:

�I think you are lazy & unprofessional!�

�You are probably just walking in, hitting the remote and relaxing - THAT�S NOT TEACHING!!�

�Allowing Korean subtitles is copping out and depriving sts of valuable English input! �

�Episodes of Friends often include material which is unsuitable for kids!�

�If you must use this method, you should use English subtitles at all times or no subtitles at all!�

�This is just entertainment! Studying English shouldn�t be like this!�

�Of course the students love it, but who wouldn�t be a popular teacher if we were all to do this?�

The Defence

Let me set the record straight. I would never allow my kids to see an episode or even part of an episode where sex/an inappropriate subject is discussed or hinted at visually.

It�s true that especially in a lot of the early episodes, the humour is derived from sexual topics but I�d never use these.

Many episodes are innocent and the humour is based on misunderstandings and character quirks.

Additionally, it is possible to follow one of the three story strands in isolation to the others if the others are iffy by use of the fast forward button!

There is no question of just hitting the remote! Students should get a worksheet with vocab and questions for discussion. Homework is often to summarise one of the story strands as an English writing assignment.

At low levels, KORSUBS allow us to get through the passage quickly and get to discussion. Also, we often do focus on one or two dialogues with English subs.

Yes of course it�s very funny and predictably, you may think I bask in the reflected glory of the comedic genius of Matt Perry or David Schwimmer. However in Korea, I have found that since kids lives have been made miserable by the barrage of tests and the pressure of their well-meaning but hopelessly unrealistic parents, a child�s introduction to the learning of English should be as fun as we can make it. First impressions last!

A Korean child�s world is very small. They only know about school, family and friends. We need to give them something fun to talk about. Kids love stories and they love funny characters.

Using a show like Friends allows us to talk about these 6 characters and for once, the kids are actually interested and motivated to speak! Beats dull Korean grammar classes by a country mile!

We can learn to describe character differences, learn adjectives, talk about how to solve problems, how to predict behaviour etc etc.

The kids do scream with laughter and it is a joy to watch but there is no lesson where there is no language teaching going on.

I only use this type of lesson maybe once a week, not every day!

I certainly can see the potential for abuse in the hands of amateurs/wingers and I do appreciate the concerns of parents/teachers who are sceptical but you�ll all just have to trust me!!

Once, in a fuzz of self-doubt, I did actually remove this method from my list and the response was emphatic.

Conclusion

Yes, I do know it looks unprofessional but I will continue to use this method. I�m sure you�ll take your own view and yes of course I am a huge fan of the show! It is very difficult to win Koreans over on the method and it does help to have been in the teaching game for such a long time.

Personally I think if you are mature and are prepared to work hard and be realistic in your goals - it is a valid method in small doses. If anyone out there is brave enough to try it, I do think you can great results.

Beware: there is a lot of work involved!

[Bibbitybop]

How long have you had all these threads written, waiting to copy and paste them all at once late one drunken night?

[withnail]

oops. sorry. just thought they might help...

[cobright]

Friends? Really, still Friends? Seems like a better show might present itself. I understand some schools are more accepting of American pop-culture in the class, sounds like you got one of the other ones.

Pick a different media. work them through lessons involving american/brittish literature. show classic western TV or movies.

[withnail]

i also use "Northern Exposure" and "Twin Peaks"
what kind of a freak am I?


ok. i retire...

[Tommy]

[sharkey]

i like your style OP.. keep it up