Korean Job Discussion Forums

different · Joined: 22 May 2003

Currently I work at a hagwon, but I've been offered a job to teach at a university. I've worked at a university before, as well as at a high school.

At my previous university I was very happy with the students' behavior. I rarely saw students get off task during group activities, and they seemed attentive when I was explaining things.

My new university job will be different in a few ways. For one thing, my classes will be a lot larger, and also, the students' levels will be a lot lower. I hope those things don't mean I'll have lots of behavior issues to deal with. I'm guessing that I won't, but who knows... I did have to deal with behavior stuff at my high school job (and hagwons). If I'd have to deal with that at the new university job, maybe I'd be better off staying at my hagwon (small classes, better location, above-average pay, and some other advantages).

Would the large class size and low English level make a difference?

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Nope... coworkers have, rarely.

Mostly I have issues with students who forget their books or are late. But there are consequences.

scorpiocandy · Joined: 27 Feb 2008

I don't have "behaviour problems" with some students but I do have some very apathetic ones. No books, don't take notes, arrive late (one arrives up to an hour late).

And as usual some feel they don't need to respect me in the same way as the Korean teachers. But then these things speak more to the character of the students rather than the fact that they're University students.

I'd say 90% are a delight to teach Smile

ytuque · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Location: I drink therefore I am!

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

I haven't had any problems. The other teachers here have seldomly had problems. Out of almost 2,000 students, 1 or 2 a semester end up having behavior problems. However, they are dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

The first university I taught at was a very low ranked one. The students were really not good. They came to our class with other students from the same major, and most majors were not interested in learning English. The only exception were students from the special education department; these students wanted to become special ed teachers and so they needed to learn English and were good students. Every other major I taught were pretty terrible.

I teach at a decent university in Seoul now. I have almost no problems with the students. The only exception are students from China. A lot of these students are wealthy kids from China who didn't get into a good university in China. I suspect they didn't get into a good university at home because they're lazy as hell haha. Not good students.

I love my job now though, the students are awesome to teach mostly. The hardest part is oten giving a participation score, since in some classes EVERY student has really made an effort and you end up wanting to give them all great participation scores.

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

It is rare for me to have genuine behavior problems such as rudeness or defiance with my freshmen, and they know I can turn mean quickly. The classroom management problems I do occasionally have are with attendance and participation -- students who won't show up and have bogus excuses, or students who try to play with their phones or sleep in class.

I think the administration makes a difference. If you get shrugs in the office and pressure to pass everyone that can be frustrating. My superiors back me up when I fail people or give them bad grades, and the students know this. You will have some students who are 'naughty,' but it will likely be nothing like an American high school.

Having small classes with motivated students is funner teaching. Are you sure you want to leave if your hogwan job is a good one?

blue.sky · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Location: a box on the 15th floor

As always, it depends. I've taught 2nd/lower 1st tier and they were fine. Polite, attentive, and good attendance. I've always been nagged and whined at to fudge grades & attendance entries - but that's pretty much expected at uni.

I know people who've taught at SKY and quit to teach elem PS because "at least they're happy to see me" as one said. You can imagine the childhood hakwon prison many endured throughout their public school years and the salaryman prisons they have to look forward to after graduation. If they come to class and remain, on the whole, conscious for most of it, I'm grateful.

Bondrock · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Location: ^_^

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

withnail · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea.

Just make sure you are not a whiteboard soldier and attempt to teach the whole class from the front of the room. Divide the class in to groups of 4 or 6 and for heaven's sake let them speak for the majority of the hour - then everything will be ok...

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:16 am Post subject:

umpittse · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Will the 'new' university job pay better than the 'old' university job? This is one thing I've always stressed looking into when trying to determine the quality of pay and employment conditions. More students mean more responsibility, planning, and time dedicated to grading. In this situation, this is compounded by lower proficiency levels all around.

A good teacher will teach put their heart and soul into their classes no matter the pay or conditions, true. But a professional teacher will know these conditions compared to other employment opportunities going in.