Korean Job Discussion Forums

Char777 · Joined: 06 Jun 2009

I am at a vocational/technical high school. Kids are aged between 16-19 years old. Skill level is extremely poor. They can hardly string 5 basic words together. I have been told to teach them to speak. I have no syllabus or textbooks.

Does anyone have any useful suggestions for textbooks. I am not close to any bookshops and on the Internet you can only see the cover or a few sample pages.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

If you try to get them to buy a text book they will either refuse to buy the book or lose it. If you make photocopies they will end up on the floor. Contact deubels on this site . He has a site that has PPT from Side by Side. I've been using it. It's really easy to work with.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

If you try to get them to buy a text book they will either refuse to buy the book or lose it. If you make photocopies they will end up on the floor. Contact deubels on this site . He has a site that has PPT from Side by Side. I've been using it. It's really easy to work with.

Silk · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

As far as buying a txt book to make copies from and giving the copies to them to use, I strongly suggest you buy a basic writing book, not a speaking book. My students sound like yours, and I've learned that really speaking books are just too hard for them, and too hard to manage, but if I give them basic writing worksheets, I can structure simple speaking exercises off of that. (both are language production skills anyhow) I know that doesn't answer your question, just saying after a year of teaching this age/ability level, I suggest looking for a writing book, and not a speaking book.

The reason they can't string 5 words together isn't only because they haven't practiced speaking, it's because in their entire public school education, they are never required to produce sentences, they only do listening, fill in the blank, and other test orientated activities dealing with abstract grammar rules and proverb memorization.

And if you can reach any decently sized subway station, you'd be suprised at the number of English txt books (workbooks) you can buy at the Libro or similar book store that are in most stations/shopping complexes.

climber159 · Joined: 02 Sep 2007

Ahh...the joys of technical high schools. There are several problems associated with having these students buy textbooks. Technical high school students are often not wealthy, they often don't care about school, and they often lose their school supplies. If you're going to get a book, just buy one or two copies and make photocopies.

Personally, I like this site as a resource of EFL materials. Sometimes I use the lessons as is; sometimes I take the basic idea and alter the lesson to fit the needs and abilities of my students.
http://www.teachitworld.com/

Char777 · Joined: 06 Jun 2009

Thank you 'climber' for your advice and I am busy looking at the web site you suggested.
My problem is that I see the same kids every day for 2 hours a day. Can you imagine how much stuff I have to come up with to keep them busy?
If you come up with more ideas, please let me know.

Kikomom · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject:

Char, I can see where filling up two hours must really be a chore. Why not take some of that time to teach them words in their major curriculum. Like menu/kitchen words for the food service students, computer vocabulary for the techies, etc.

Actually, use their Korean textbooks/homework. Get the kids themselves to find the translations for words/phrases -- use this for homework, they bring you a list of translated vocab right out of their other textbooks. Then teach them the pronunciation, spelling, syllables--the English version of what they're learning in their other classes.

You won't need a textbook. Your lessons parallel their regular curriculum. And once you get into the rhythm of it, they'll be making your lesson plans for you. Essentially they'll be learning the material twice, you'll be reinforcing their Korean classes.

p.s. I'm not a teacher, just some teacher's mother. But I've seen so many posts on here where teacher's don't have a clue how they're supposed to be teaching. And this just makes sense to me, something they can relate to.

Char777 · Joined: 06 Jun 2009

Thank you Kikomom, for your advice and suggestions and for taking the time to respond. I will definitely try that. Keep them ideas coming...

Kikomom · Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 2:00 pm Post subject:

You're welcome, Char. I just got a batch of pictures from Zippy and this is the book the kids are using in his hagwon:
Fundamentals of English Grammar (Black), International Version, Azar Series (3rd Edition) (Azar) [IMPORT] (Paperback)
by Betty Schrampfer Azar
Ask your principal or handler to get you one.

Here's a good site to help your Food kids learn to describe Korean dishes:
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Food/menu.cfm

It may be too advanced, but it could be a good start for you to learn the foods too?