Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

Yesterday, I had 3 regular classes. My co-teacher indicated she would do the teaching. She wanted me to walk around the room during the final student activity.

She also asked me to demonstrate the card game with her, in front of the class.

During the game, she walks around the room but doesn't really interact with the kids while they play. I walked around and kind of helped students to play the game i.e. reviewed sentences, gave another demonstration of how to play the game etc. It was for 'I get up at 7 everyday'.

The kids at my school are quite low level.

If I copy her and just walk around the room during class activities, that effectively means I am doing nothing.

How does that make me feel?

I love it. I hope she does this for the rest of the year.

A couple of posters on this forum have recently been fired from their jobs. One was physically abused while the other native was fired for wanting to teach, but her co-teacher felt the students couldn't be taught.

In light of my nightmare co-teacher experience at a previous school, I am going to say 'Yes' all the time to my co-teacher, to make life easy.

Imagine, a year of doing almost nothing.

I love being a native 'teacher'.

My co-teacher gave me a little cake the other week. On Friday, I gave her some chocolate brownies.

As a social experiment, I will try to 'play the game' a bit at this school. I hope it works. If my co-teacher realizes I always agree with her, I hope this will result in a renewal of my contract next year.

I love my apartment.

[hagwonnewbie]

You seem to have a good strategy.

I've taken the same approach and decided not to criticize or question any decisions made by my co-teachers or management this year. While it doesn't serve the students well, it allows me to maintain cordial relations with my co-workers. The only battles I would pick are the ones regarding compensation and accomodation.

[D.D.]

Welcome to hell boys. Quality out the door in order to pretend relations are good. Even if the ship is off course don't mention it and spoil the party on deck.

[Ruraljuror]

I highly recommend this strategy.

As long as you are paid in full, and on-time, just do what you are told to do. Every Korean knows how messed up the Korean education system is...they don't need a foreigner to tell them. Eventually, things will change, but until that time just whatever your boss tells you to do with a smile on your face and a "Yessir!" no matter how stupid you think it is.

[cruisemonkey]

I love my apartment too... and last Friday I clipped my toe nails. However, 'experimenting' with Ks brings up ethical dilemmas.

In my experience, saying "No" is the only way to go.

[cruisemonkey]

[VanIslander]

i knew a security guard back home who bragged about having to do nothing for his pay

he ended his own life a decade later

true story

don't let it be yours

[fromtheuk]

I am very happy doing nothing. Why? Because it makes my life easier and less difficult. If saying 'Yes' will make life easy for me, I will do so from now on.

I am following what my co-teacher instructs me to do. I am an assistant teacher and therefore I am doing my duty and being professional.

I would only raise my voice on major issues i.e. pay. I really care about Korean money, it's a part of their culture I really respect.

[cruisemonkey]

Then I'm sure you're on Allah's radar.

[fromtheuk]

At my last school, during the nightmare co-teacher period, they kept telling me I am an assistant and I must follow the co-teacher.

I am doing precisely that, following the contract. Being argumentative achieves nothing here.

Following the contract cannot be considered something bad or negative.

At least I show up and do everything I'm supposed to, it's not like I am pulling a runner.

I hope Allaah is pleased with me.

I have played my part throughout my working life, sometimes it is appreciated.

[dporter]

I have no idea about this - but it seems that each KT interprets THEIR role in a different way.

Wouldn't it be best to ask each co-teacher what your role should be and then follow that for their class?

[fromtheuk]

I only have one. She originally said she wants me to teach 50% of the lesson. But if she wants to take control, she is most welcome.

[The Gipkik]

It's a perfectly good way to see out your "time" in S. Korea. Why would anyone with drive, passion, creativity, perception, good health and actual classroom management skills bother teaching here. It's just a non sequitur, ladies. We need those ingratiating, sycophantic, obsequious, intellectually moribund; those placating, conciliatory missionaries full of good spirit and fellowship, willing to bend over at command. Why hire a cheetah to stroll around the classroom, a good hedgehog will do just fine.

[fromtheuk]

Teacher must respect Korean culture. They must never say 'No'.

Did you swallow a thesaurus before writing that post? I almost fully understood all of it.

[cruisemonkey]

Ok... let's do a 'mathematical' analysis -