Korean Job Discussion Forums

ryoga013 · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

Earlier today i was told that a student came in and said he can't go to class because of work so he will get a "D" still passing. This is after 5weeks of no communication with the office. He doesn't have to do any homework, no essay, nothing. But yet, he passes his course. Two weeks ago another student of mine was told that if he can't come to all of my classes, regardless of the homework that he could do to make up classes, he could only get a D. This student works hard and was told that he would need to write essays if he were to pass with a D but that was probably just a ploy to make me happy... but hy would that when i genuinely want the students to study and get good grades because of their studying.

How often do you come across this practice of passing students through simply because they weren't planning when making their schedule?

Jane · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

extremely common.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Happens in all their classes, and hampered English education here forty years ago, too.

roadwork · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Location: Goin' up the country

I just got lectured by my principal not to "challenge" the students. Just keep it simple and easy because it's not traditional Korean culture to challenge the students. And they wonder why after all of the money they spend, they still suck at English.

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

I started a new job at an elementray school in Seoul. I guess its in a "poor" part of Seoul. Could have fooled me since all the kids have cell phones.
Anyway first day the principal tells me that these kids are poor and thus not very intelligent. Says I shouldnt teach "too hard" because they are not bright. If the principal of the school is spouting this nonsense, do these kids stand a chance. Dont think for a moment this attitude is not noticeable to the kids and that it doesnt affect their self esteem.
I have chosen to ignore the principal and decided to work extra hard to get these kids up to snuff.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

I take it you are new...

Its simple economics..

you pay for something you receive something in return. regardless!!

you think Kim Yu NA, Or BOA or who ever else actually studies for their degrees probably turns up on the first day and couple times in the middle and then for graduation..???

same goes for the celebrities who are in highschools. they pass highschool becuase it brings recognition to their schools, then colleges will fight for them also to bring recognition to their schools. of course not the top schools if they dont have the grades..

I've worked with countless college students seniors or juniors who should of been in class studying, but instead were out working and partying

I asked them countless times over the years.. shouldnt you be in school??
most replies were the same..
"doesn't matter to much.. My professor likes me he said I can work if I want, I will still get a degree"
Rolling Eyes

Jane · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

I've taught is a range of socio-economic areas in Seoul. My conclusion? The kids are the same no matter where they come from. From 'poor' areas to rich areas, there are the stars, a majority of average students, and some at the bottom.

I just find the kids from 'poorer' areas to have a bit better manners.

ryoga013 · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

Not new and I had heard that it would happen, just it's the first first hand account that I have had. I guess it wouldn't irk me as much if the other kid that wants to try hard would get something better than the passing D for doing much more work and actually trying...

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

I know, it's soooo frustrating.

I got pissed that they change the grades in the hakwon, lowering the best students score and increasing the lowest students score, to avoid "shocking" the parents.

roadwork · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Location: Goin' up the country

What gets me is the coteachers, principals, vice principals all insist that we (native teachers) should make sure "all" students learn English. I've got a few kids with some form of learning disability in each class. How can I ensure they learn? I can't. The whole concept of English education here is ridiculous.

By the way, I have like 3 mute kids. Anyone else?

Jane · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

There is one redeeming feature of the hogwan where I used to work. They would encourage us to be *totally honest* with the marks. They believed that the parents would want to leave their kids in longer if they weren't as good.
Regardless of intentions, we were at least at liberty to grade fairly.

ryoga013 · Joined: 23 Nov 2008