Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Wiltern]

Has anyone taught SAT/AP classes? Would it be a lot more difficult to teach than your standard English class because of the subject matter and the fact that the schools have high school students? I'm new to teaching, but a school teaching SAT/AP has shown interest to my surprise.

[bocceman]

the subject matter will definitely be harder than your typical "See Spot Run" type of books at most hagwons. the expectations will be higher, since you're teaching to bring about hard tangible results in a short time.

on the other hand, the kids are in general better behaved.

[outkast_3000]

The teaching itself is not difficult if you know the subject matter well. But as bocceman said, the expectations will be far higher. These students are trying to get into some American university and you'll be expected to get them there (however fair that expectation is is irrelevant). You'll need to be very well prepared and very well organized and you won't be able to get away without lesson planning (IMO).

Teaching the standard English conversational class in public school isn't a walk in the park if you take the teaching seriously - but the expectations, in general, are slightly diminished (can't speak for hagwons - never taught in one).

The students in the AP/SAT classes should be at a significantly higher level than your average public school student and they'll be self-motivated. They'll have high expectations of your class and you as a teacher. In my experience, you can't fool these kids with a semi-inspired lesson. If they don't feel like they're improving or learning, a complaint to your supervisor isn't far down the line. A co-worker of mine (through no real fault of her own) is goin' through a bad time from student complaints.

It can be really rewarding though. So if you feel comfortable with the subject material, and want to teach some enthusiastic kids, I'd go for it.