Korean Job Discussion Forums

[D.D.]

I have a demo class coming up in front of the education officials. This is what determines if you get offered a new contract.

Our school did exams and then allocated the kids spots based on their scores. The problem is they gave me the top grade one class for the exam. Being the top class they are expected to be the best.

Three weeks ago I noticed that they were the worst class for speaking ability and asked to teach another class for the demo.

The school refuses to change the class and now I have one week until the worst demo ever. I know that the other schools make up a hybrid class of all the best students for their demos.

The students I have are all so shy and won't even answer basic questions and in front of 15 people watching they are going to be even worse.

I have 14 other classes that can talk quite well and they are refusing to change because it would mean something was wrong with their ranking system.

I am thinking of refusing to do the demo class and putting in my 30 days notice. This school is making it clear that speaking classes are a joke to them and sabotaging all my efforts to provide quality classes.

I notice when the English level of the staff is very low they are not too concerned with the kids learning to speak. I might even go as far as saying they are sabotaging the speaking components of language be aquired by the students.

I think they would like a teacher that did a crap job rather than someone who cares and tries to provide quality classes.

So my question is would you teach a demo class with the worst students
or demand a fair go with decent students.

[oldfatfarang]

Most schools put on a real 'show' for demo classes. They hand pick smart students (that all look the same age) for them.

I've suggested same for my yearly demo at my new school. My co-teacher, the only one who doesn't give a dam, and doesn't want to be a teacher (but his mother made him), said: "We don't care about those classes. We just teach normally."

God help me if he's my demo co-teach then.

[xCustomx]

I've never been able to pick which students are in the demo class. I just choose the easiest class to teach, with students who actually participate. What kinds of activities are you giving them? That may be the reason why they aren't speaking. If you're just lecturing and giving worksheets, you may want to rethink your methods. I've been amazed this year. Of the 24 different classes I teach (12 first grade and 12 second graders), there is only one class which I dread going to, but that's because they never stop talking

[DJTwoTone]

I have never done anything special for the demo classes... I consider them a huge waste of time. There are too many classes that need too much help to ever think about wasting time on preparing something ridiculous like these classes. I do my best in every class I teach, and if that isn't enough then they can fire me.

On a similar topic, I'm trying my best to get out of it completely this year. I won't be renewing my contact so I see no reason to do it. It'll save on me having to fight out the fact that I'm not going to do anything special anyway.

[harlowethrombey]

Step 1: Show up to the demo class.

Step 2: Reveal that you're white and can speak Engish.

Step 3: Do listen and repeat for 30 minutes, maybe play Jeopardy. Give out highfives.

Step 4: Tellthem how wonderful the school/school system is.

Step 5: Get rehired.


Seriously, if you like your job, teach the class as best you can, write up some very impressive, technical lesson plans (use lots of big words no one will know but wont admit they dont know). Have the students compete in speaking contests for prizes (candy). Maybe even dance a little bit. You should be fine.

[Otherside]

[bundangbabo]

[Goku]

I go all out for the demo classes, I've only been here like 6 months and I've had to do 3 (what the hell...)

Anyways, everythings prepared, the students know beforehand what to do, all the questions are prepared, even the answers are prepared.

I look like god and it's quite obvious that it's setup.

But do they care? not really, in fact they almost expect it.

Or at least that's what I'm told my Korean co-teachers

[D.D.]

[AussieGav]

[ddeubel]

I seoond Harlowthrombey,

Really, if you are here for the long term, or even the short term but like your job, teaching and being part of "something" (and that is the essence of teaching and what being a teacher is!) -- just go through the 'expectations" or motions.

It is more important to focus on the long term. Jump these hurdles like a chihauhau at the county fair - then eat steak all month. Change things that count, change it back when it counts unfavorably...


This is the reality,

DD
http://eflclassroom.com