Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nuggets]

I'd like to have a take on everyone's experience with teaching different age groups in general. I know every class might be different, and every teacher might have a different method for each. Maybe this will help clarify a newbie's decision when pondering teaching esl. Heck, this might turn into a sticky.

I have a year of experience in Taiwan, which was great cause it was under the table while I was a student learning Mandarin Chinese. It was with a private school dealing with after school classes. This school compared to what I've read about was 'easy mode,' the curriculum was preset, no dress code, and you can clock in 5 min before your class and expect to be ready to go. During that time, I had the chance to teach just about all age groups, although maybe not extensively with every particular group, I have enough to form my 2 cents for each.

Kindergarten: It wasn't even my first official day of work, I was asked to sub a class for a teacher who had massive diarrhea. I had lied and said I had prior experience teaching, which ultimately landed me the job. (Also, maybe because I'm good looking? The head teacher, I later found out, was a gay Texan, so the accent didn't really stand out.) But, everything was fine in the beginning, you go wake them up from their nap, brush/comb their hair, have them put away their sleeping bags, and the other office ladies change out clothes for the ones that wet their beds. You give them a snack then play with them in the play area. Afterwards is where it starts going downhill. It was a nightmare controlling them to sit still and explain a lesson activity. One would run around uncontrollably, and that would infect the whole class, now there's a whole room of wild gremlins and I'm pulling out my hair. They'd start jumping on the tables, then you start plucking them off and one would hop back up to replace the last. I finally had to have an office lady come up and help, she told them to line up against the wall and said something to the effect of "I'll cut your arms and legs off." So, after this 1 and only day of teaching this age group, I've learned I am no babysitter, and every person that is thinking of becoming a parent should teach a kindergarten class.

Early elementary: These bunch were a alot easier, and since they are at a very low level, you don't have to expect too much. My group were pretty easy going as I can remember, docile, and starry eyed trying to soak in this alien language coming out of your mouth. I found games and rewards worked best for this crowd.

Late elementary: I had the most experience with this bunch as I stuck with a particular class for the whole year during my schedule. Personalities were pretty varied and I have to say I might've had the most fun with them. Teaching is kinda like what you remembered when you were in elementary: reading out loud, writing, spelling tests, and basic grammar. I actually made 'friends' with these students and it was funny when they bark back your euphemisms that they've acquired from listening to you, "Teacha, hold on!"

Middle school: Buncha hormone driven monsters! The last teacher that taught this class let the kids walk all over her, and then I took over and they thought I would let them do the same. Unfortunately, I was nowhere ready for what evil they could muster up but only sorta had their way. I remember a couple of girls coming up to me and trying to take my shirt off and sitting on my lap. Thinking now, that was a pretty awkward situation to be in. But, that was just the worst of it, I think for a few bad apples it was pretty smooth sailing.

High school: ........now that I think of it, I don't think I've ever taught high school.... I think they would be enrolled in the more 'professional' or more advanced privates schools.... moving on!

College: These are the more English savy kind that you can actually have a real conversation with. Since I was in their age group, they were my friends. So, we didn't really have a teacher/student relationship. But, I'd imagine it'd be fun either ways.

Adults: Adults were the more driven kind. They chose what they wanted to learn about and it was focused for practical use - usually business. I'd have to say this experience might've been the easiest, cause they would sit you down, give you a situation with a topic and then you would just go from there. It's almost like they're paying you to state your opinions, autopilot, ve'nice.

Again, this was MY experience from Taiwan, where the kids were usually spoiled if their parents could afford for them to go to a private school. I, coming from an Asian family have a feeling it is not uncommon in that side of the world. A crash course at a pretty ideal school where they were fairly carefree, I was pretty lucky, I hope others are as well!

[Olivencia]

All ages as long as they are girls.
I love teaching girls!
From my experience:
Elementary - They are more polite and try harder.
Middle - Kinda breaking out of their shells. Funny seeing the transition.
High - Still polite but more expressive than the former two.
Uni - Goes without saying.
Mommies - See Uni but a little more aware.

[VanIslander]

Grades 3 and 4 hagwon students - old enough to sit in their seats and pay attention but young enough to participate energetically without reservation

[lifeinkorea]

From 4th grade and up. Depending on the student, some 3rd graders are ok.

[sheba]

I love 5th graders...

I found they have an exceptionally good attitude, try hard, study hard, have fun, follow the rules, are light hearted, respect me, and they actually try hard to keep me happy

[schwa]

Heres my take. I posted this before but I'm still revising it (this is for part of a delivery to new epik recruits). Improvements invited.


Primary elementary grades: cheerful, rambunctious but biddable, short attention span, enjoy simple repetitive tasks, physical movement, and music.

Middle elementary (grades 4 & 5): also cheerful, eager to learn, cooperative, still enjoy simple activities but also want to be challenged, love team competitions.

Senior elementary (grade 6): a challenging age group stuck between innocence and false maturity, requires a mix of authority and playful activities, can be defiant in class but charming one-on-one outside the class environment.

1st-year middle school: tentative at first but generally keen and cooperative, can be fun and imaginative, enjoy good-spirited competition, English levels are becoming more distinct, rebellious students start to gain social sway.

2nd-year middle school: another challenging grade, moodiness and peer pressure, brighter students tend to dumb themselves down to fit in, the mood goes up and down but some laughs and learning can still be had.

3rd-year middle school: settling down and more willing to engage in thoughtful conversation, laughter and cooperation come more easily again, extracurricular study and highschool concerns weigh heavily, creativity (in many cases) starts to wane.

High school:
Generally more rigorous and results-oriented.
1st-year: shy but eager.
2nd-year: more confident but turning serious.
3rd-year: mostly off-limits to foreign teachers as students focus totally on SAT scores.


Personally, I've specialized for years in teaching the "tougher" grades. Getting them to comply is really gratifying.

[nomad-ish]

i've tutored elementary, middle, and high school kids back in my home country, but i've only officially taught middle schoolers. i'd have to say i prefer first or second grade of middle school (even better if it's an all girls school).

[joltaxt]

I teach children 11 and under and wasn't sure how I would react to it but I love it.

I think I've sort of grown as a person as well during my teaching experiences. I used to not be able to stand kids, now I work so well with them I impress myself.

It's honestly not as bad as it sounds. Sure you get a terrible child once in a while, but the majority of them will work well with you.

[jiberish]

Any student who is willing to learn grade 1-12. I've never done adults.

I think age doesn't matter, only attitude. Just you have to be more energetic with younger kids.

[Brooksmatic]