Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jadarite]

What is your schedule?

My school wants me to teach three 40 minute lessons to the same class each day. Instead, I would rather teach one 40 minute lesson to 3 classes. Then, I would plan another 40 minute lesson for the next three classes. It could be simple as beginner, intermediate, advanced if they don't want to do it by grade.

Is this unreasonable thinking as it pertains to public school winter camps?

[nomad-ish]

i'm not sure what you mean?

i haven't gotten my schedule yet for this winter (mostly because i'm too afraid to ask... last i heard it sounded extremely full )
but last year i had class from 9-12, straight with no breaks (or so they told me, but i usually gave a break or two during that time) with just one group of kids. this schedule went from monday to friday with the same kids

[jadarite]

What I mean is, if I teach 2 hours to one class, I have to plan a 2 hour lesson (regardless of breaks). If I teach three 40 minute lessons, then I can simply repeat a 40 minute lesson.

It's easier to plan 40 minutes than 2 hours. I am would not be getting paid anything extra for these 2 hour classes. However, if you sign up for a winter camp, you do get paid more. Seems like they are taking advantage here, but it's my first year at a public school. I don't know what the norm is.

[nomad-ish]

last year they gave me 1 week of camp and 1 week of "extra class" with no extra pay also, so what i ended up doing was planning 1 week of class (think a big group presentation activity to take up some time and a movie class day and then a movie) and repeated it for both weeks. i thought it was funny when my co-teach asked for my extra class plan and i told her it was the same as my camp's

so, my point is, can't you simply reuse your lessons (of course you'll have to change it a bit for the different levels, but that's easy enough)?

[JJJ]

Well, it all depends who signs up for winter school and their level.
A couple years ago, I had 2 - 45 min. classes with a lower level and 2 - 45 min. classes with a higher level. Out of 900 students only 6 signed up for A and 4 for B. This was for 2 weeks.

This summer, I went from 9 to 12 with breaks with only 12 students for 2 weeks of mixed levels. Not much to do with lessons but lots of crafts, scavenger hunts and movies.

This winter, 3 weeks, one class again, don't know how many but I'm sure it will be all mixed levels again. A lot of it is babysitting. So, again, crafts, making snow forts, movies and cooking classes. Should be alright.

[xCustomx]

It depends. This past summer and last winter, I had to plan for 2 weeks of camp. I had 3 hours in the morning and then 3 hours with a different group of students in the afternoon. Planning a 3 hour class is not easy, but it can be done. My lessons almost always had some group project involved, so I could let the students work and I could take a hands off approach. They usually make some kind of skit, commercial, short play, etc. to perform at the end of the week, so you may want to try something like that if you have to teach the same students every day for a few hours.

[Elric222]

Hey guys..

Can anyone else tell me what they are doing for winter camp?

My school is suggesting 3 weeks with 4 hours of lessons a day

This is the first time theyve had a native teacher so the school (and I...) are wondering what the norm is.

[nomad-ish]

IMO the norm for winter camp is 2-3 weeks of camp/class. not necessarily with the same group of kids. usually with 3 hours a day (or approx. four 45min. classes a day)

[warmachinenkorea]

I haven't been told my schedual. However it is mandatory for one week of camp then I can choose to sign up for 2 more. The pay is 500,000 won for each camp. Is this usual for camp or am I getting the wool pulled over my eyes?

[jadarite]

When comparing, it's also important to note if these camps are through a public school, public school with private arrangements, or at a hagwon.

[Ramen]

My school just told me I may or may not do one week winter camp. I'll have rest of days off.

I'm considering taking sick leave during winter camp week.

[nomad-ish]

^ you're lucky to have the choice.

last year, my school gave me one week of summer camp and then asked if i wanted to do extra class during the break. i said no thanks, and then was told that they thought i'd be bored so i had to do them.

no choice for winter break either

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

[Ramen]

[AussieGav]