Korean Job Discussion Forums

[D.D.]

When the cancel your classes so they can use the time to prepare for exams.

I have mixed feelings about it. Part of me likes being able to chill out.

The other part of me feels like they are sending a strong message that their classes are more important.

Actually today I feel pissed about it as I didn't feel like sitting around for 6 hours. Is that why people should study English so they can pass English tests.

Token white guy feels pushed into the corner today.

I hope a day comes when they actually start testing for speaking ability rather than bubble filling abilties on multichoice exams.

[dean_burrito]

I teach at a technical high school. I am rather surprised that only one class so far has cancelled to prepare for midterms. They had to catch up on a missed math class. I would say that it was more important for them to be there but that is this school and these students.
The good thing is after midterms the students will be quite excited to go back to English class. I'll teach them how to vent when they do.

[cruisemonkey]

It never happens to me ... but if it did, I certainly wouldn't complain - I like being paid not to work.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I don't mind so long as they give me a bit of notice and I don't find out at the last minute that all my lesson planning was for nothing. I've been on the job long enough to know which teachers might want to so I always check with them a few days in advance now.

[Xuanzang]

No exams here in elementary school land. Wouldn't complain if they pulled a fast one on me either. Just pushes my lesson to the next period. Usually the next day.

[dragon777]

DD...I agree with you. That is why many students are under-performing, and the FT's are under-utilised. I mean if a few days extra study will make that much of a difference. Just goes to show some teachers are panicking.

[BS.Dos.]

You should come and take a look at the calander on my desk; it's full of big, thick, red lines where classes have been cancelled for one reason or another. It doesn't break my heart.

[shocking]

My co-teachers have cancelled five of my lessons in the past two weeks, and today I was told I didn't have to invigilate the exams because the students can't concentrate with me in the room. I should probably stop smoking my crack pipe at school.

[the foystein]

English is a resource class like art or music. It is less important. If you taught a resource class in the USA you would find a similar attitude.

[schwa]

Having all your classes cancelled for a week before exams is insulting (suggests your classtime isnt valued) & sends all the wrong signals to the students.

Students as well as K-teachers need to know that conversational skills are rapidly becoming high value. Uni entrance, job interviews, etc. A speaking & listening component to Korean SAT tests is just around the corner too.

Some middle schools are starting to initiate an oral interview as part of their exams. Mine hasnt yet, but I write 20% of the exam questions based on my lessons. These things are negotiable school-by-school, assuming you're doing a decent job.

I'm easily accommodating if a K-teacher approaches me about needing extra time with a particular class or two because they've fallen behind due to special events. That happens. I do expect an apologetic tone though.

I dont mind a reduced workload at all (I'm happy at my desk) but I insist on it being truly justifiable. You should too.

[moosehead]

canceling for exam prep is one thing - but when I was teaching ps sometimes the class wouldn't show up (no warning) and I'd go looking for them in their classroom and the teacher would say they were "too busy" for E - and I'd say no, E time is now, please bring them to class and the HR T would apologize and up and outa there - they would come to class.

cheeky maybe but yes, it is disrespectful to do it for just any reason and it does make your job harder the next time around. students lose their rhythm and momentum in learning, especially when they only come to E x number of times a week.

[WendyRose]

I rarely have canceled classes. It's happened a few times and I usually appreciate the break. I can see how it would be frustrating to plan your lessons and then have no one show up, though.

And 6 hours doing nothing may sound like a good time, but you can only Facebook for so long.

[oldtactics]

[bogey666]

happened last year and I'm sure it'll happen this year.

I won't complain.

I am the implementer, not the decider.

I trust the Korean teachers to know what's best for Min-su, etc.

I might be a little more upset if I felt this really upset some significant "progress" I was making with them, but being at a vocational highschool I know there is almost no progress, so it doesn't matter.

[KuroBara]

I find it irksome that even though my school does warn me in advance that a class wil be cancelled, I still have to come to school. I know it's because it's GEPIK and other teachers complained about schools giving preferential treatment, and what not, but still, it's irksome. Though to be honest, I've downloaded a bunch of games to my laptop and use the time to try to catch up on lesson plans.