Korean Job Discussion Forums

Olivencia · Joined: 08 Mar 2009

Why does it seem that just because I teach a lesson to my elementary students and I want to go over it more the next day or so that I am constantly being told that this was taught already. For example, when I teach them numbers, colors, expressions, etc many if not all of them don't fully get it just after one short class. When I plan my first half of the class the next day I am told I shouldn't teach the same thing as yesterday. I respond by saying that it is good for review and I want to make sure as many of my students as possible really know the material. But the higher ups say, "Well you just taught that yesterday".
Why is it that just because you taught the material that means that everyone understands all of it?
So the lesson is finished but in reality it's never done.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Do what I do: tell the students they haven't exhibited 100% of what they learned. In cases where the students "get it" and forget a month later, I bring the lesson back and make sure they know why the lesson is coming back.

If your boss is wondering why, tell them it is a review. Material that is not reviewed adequately soon becomes material that is lost.

ChilgokBlackHole · Joined: 21 Nov 2009

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Well, I teach parts of lessons. So, they don't do it all one day. This prevents them from saying "We have already done it". Then, my co-teacher teaches them the next day. They come to me the day after and usually have forgotten which parts they did with me and which parts they did with her.

I suggest you NOT do 100% one day. I also suggest you NOT review the following day. Weave lessons and parts of lessons together. They won't be able to keep track and it will help them in the long run. They will be tested a few days later instead of jamming it all into a few days only to be forgotten the following week.

I like to review on Mondays, since there are 2 days without them studying. I can see what they really digested the previous week and what they still need work on.

PaperTiger · Joined: 31 May 2005 Location: Ulaanbataar

I use the old standby, "...because so few of you learned it the first four times I taught it". Bulletproof.

son of coco · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

djsmnc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Dave's ESL Cafe

If it's the higher ups saying it, you just put the clown hat back on and say "As long as I get my peanuts at the end of the month!"

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

Write a brief outline on the board in bullet points of what you plan to teach for the day, including the new material for later in the class (I mean very short / one word sentences). Then circle the word �review� when doing review. Circle new material as you move on. You should stop getting hassled as it will help you emphasize new material is covered as part of class.

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

Olivincia you have posted on other threads that you have taught in Korea for over 10 years. Isn't this kind of a newbie question and situation? Wouldn't someone with all of your experience no how to handle such a problem?

Mr Pink is dead on as usual. The only other thing that I would add is to cite some educational sources that discuss cognitive development and the importance of review and repetitive rehearsal.

Seoulio · Joined: 02 Jan 2010