Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Capo]

Its my first time teaching other teachers at my school. Can anyone tell me about their experiences or ideas, I'm a bit nervous.

I decided I would do a conversation class and just trying lead discussions on a different topic each week. Has anyone tried doing something like that?

[oldfatfarang]

My Teachers' English Conversation Class failed after a few weeks (We're busy, you should take a rest"). Fine by me.

Even a dummy could see how embarrassed the younger teachers were having to speak English in front of their 'seniors' (who didn't speak as well).

[Cerulean]

Yep, I have. I printed out discussion topic questions and handed them out. They asked for a few weeks in advance in the beginning. There's lots online.

Maybe take the first class to get to know them and let them know how you intend to run the class.

You look prepared like this and you maintain a professional approach to the class this way. If you get off topic you can choose to stay off or get them back on. If you're lucky, your 1 sheet will last 2 classes.

Every situation I've heard of like this has ended up fizzling out.

Good luck and they are probably just as nervous as you.

[thoreau]

I printed out a few Dear Abby letters and hoped to discuss the cultural difference in how relationship things were handled.

I've never had to actually do a teacher's workshop however. During my first semester they were all canceled because the other teachers were busy. This semester they didn't even schedule it.

[Easter Clark]

If I were asked to do one of these, I'd make up a list of things I want to know about--either related to the school, a class in particular, the best restaurants in the area, the public transport system, where I can buy good beef--anything that you want to talk about.

In my experience there will invariably be (at minimum):

1 teacher whose English is abysmal and resorts to nervous laughter and/or responds only in Korean.

1 teacher whose English is far superior to everyone else in the room but is afraid to speak up.

1 teacher who does not find the topics interesting and wants more "free talking."

And homework is generally out of the question.

Sounds counter-intuitive, I know. But chances are the class will start to fizzle out, and at least you learned a lot about your city /neighborhood/students/whatever interests you.

[oldfatfarang]

[jiberish]

I did one once. Some older teacher came in. Once we started the conversation I asked her name. She said I really like tomatoes so please call me tomato. I laughed, she got cut cause I laughed. I said my name is apple in Korean. She said no you can't have that name. I explained it is the same in English. She didn't see my logic.

[oldfatfarang]

[djsmnc]