Korean Job Discussion Forums

[been_that_done_there]

When I got to my school, my instructions were this: "Teach the children to speak English". I have no textbooks, resources or curriculum. But what makes this even more bizarre is that I see my classes once a week for 50 minutes. That means less than 4 hours a month which is the equivalent of 48 hours a year (48 hours = 2 days). So they want me to teach these unskilled high school kids to speak English in approximately 2 days spread out over a year.

[asams]

In a word: YES.

[I'm no Picasso]

This post is so FOB, I don't even know what to say.

[diver]

[I'm no Picasso]

[asams]

[seoulsucker]

I know exactly where you're coming from.

Ask your English director (or the head teacher) if it would be possible for you to teach the dialogue section that is usually found at the beginning of each week's chapter of their (horrible) textbooks.

There's usually some sort of theme (giving directions, national heroes, taking a trip, etc.) that can be used as a foundation for a solid ESL lesson. Add some vocabulary, do a short powerpoint presentation, print up a worksheet, and you'll be seen as the second coming.

As an educator it sucks to know you'll have absolutely zero impact on their language ability, but put forth some effort and you'll find a couple of kids that will really shine.

If you're really the "How can I reach these kiiiiiiiiiiiiiids?" type, ask the director if you can form a "Sarang-ban" or "Love Class" in which you can recruit the top dozen or so English speakers from all your grades/classes and have a once or twice a week class that really pushes them.

[beercanman]

If after one year the average student can say things like "My name is____. I am ____ years old. I go to ____ school. I have ___ brothers/sisters. My birthday is ____. Today is (November 1. The weather is ____"

Consider that success.

[eIn07912]

OP, the reason you find this frustrating, is because you think you're actually supposed to teach them English. When this country was built on the concept of "face."

So, in fact, you're supposed to teach them to make it appear that they have learned English. If you see your kids that little, just have them memorize a few sentences, work on their handwriting a little, and that'll be enough.

English, for Koreans, has no practical use. It's just a kind of "look good" measure. 98% that learn it, will never use it in their daily life. English is just as practical here as Portuguese is in the States. Those that absolutely need to learn it for their jobs, will.

[diver]

[mc_jc]

Why do people complain when there are no books or curriculum- it means you could be more creative in your lessons.
When I was an ESL teacher back in the late-90's/early-2000's, there were some places where I would walk in and only be given a workbook. It took me about 6 months to realize the potential creativity in the situation.
I made my own lesson plans, materials, lesson goals, etc. In the end, not only did I feel confident that I could teach in almost any setting, but that my students were actually learning something.

Take a step back and see how you could use the situation.

Also, it would help to get some feedback from more experienced teachers through such groups as KoTESOL and such.

[mysterious700]

Go to an English Bookstore or a large bookstore in Seoul with an English section. You can buy a picture dictionary and maybe some flash cards too, if you're doing elementary. Use the dictionary to come up with ideas and then teach the students some vocabulary words from these. Later ask questions and get them to answer you. You can also use wikipedia or google imagese for some pictures on these topics and ask the students some questions about it. Towards the end, the students can practice speaking to each other. Fairly easy. Just make sure the coteacher actually disciplines and controls the students. New teachers and substitutes tend to be the worst for this.

[Underwaterbob]

[nosmallplans]

[tiger fancini]