Korean Job Discussion Forums

[skim234]

I'm currently working at a hagwon where I only have about 2.5 hours of classwork a day. That is the main thing I love about my job. I know that if I teach adults, my workload would probably double. What kind of preparation is needed before class? Is it usually conversation-oriented or textbook?

I don't like the BS that comes with working at a hagwon where parents are customers and complain about things that are their own fault, but the customer is always right.

I figure that when you teach adults, the political bs goes out the window?

I know that most/all adult teaching companies require a split shift (work at 6AM, take a break around 10 AM-4pm, go back to work until 10pm). Are there any places that will allow you to just start without a split shift?

Sorry for the noobish questions.

[misher]

[edwardcatflap]

Yes, I'd second most of that, having taught both adults and kids in Korea. Adults who are paying their own way can be very demanding and the most common complaint that comes up from students is that the teacher is not prepared. As long as you show this not to be the case, even if it's just a veneer, you should be ok.

Do Arrive on time, make extra worksheets, prepare PPTs laying out course outcomes, lesson outcomes, previous lesson errors etc...be prepared to answer questions correctly at the time of asking. Bring a grammar book and good dictionary into class.

Don't Just use the course book all the time, come into class and say 'what page did we get up to last time?, sit around chatting aimlessly for half the lesson, realise you don't know what the students are supposed to be doing halfway though your instructions, realise you don't know the answer to something and have to go back to the staffroom for the teacher's book, forget to bring the CD and have to go back to the staffroom for it, neglect to make enough photocopies and have to go back to the staffroom for them.

If you get all this sorted the adults will generally respond well and do what they're told. You do occasionally get 'a Mr Kim' but in my experience they're pretty rare. Overall it's a lot less tiring than teaching kids but can also be less fun.

[djsmnc]

[edwardcatflap]

Korean students know the market and what they can get for their won. I worked at the top end of the market (price wise) and knew I had to deliver to a certain standard. Where you're at does, to some extent, determine what you can get away with.

[skim234]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Also, do you guys who have taught adults go drinking often with students? I hear this common, and is a perk I definitely wouldn't mind.

[edwardcatflap]

At the end of the course it's common but you have to make sure everyone in the class agrees. If you're single and looking to pull it can be a great opportunity, otherwise most of the time you'll feel you'd rather just teach a lesson.

[bcjinseoul]

I would never work at an adult hogwon simply because I refuse to work before 8 in the morning. Or get up before 6.

[Fishead soup]

I've worked with adults.

Know your grammar: If you don't brush up on it. If you are poor at spelling use PPT with a spell check instead of writing spontaniously on the board

Watch out for two faced people. Some of your students will act really nice to your face and then stab you in the back when you are not around.Some of your students will offer to take you out for drinks or drive you home be very careful about accepting gratitude. If you do go out insist on going dutch or fighting the bill. Show them you know something about Korean culture.

Be careful about chosing topics. If you are using a topical textbook bring in a copy of the index on the first day. Let them choose as a group. You can ever turn it into a discussion.

Don't over-correct but be careful to point out at least a few errors every class. If you are not correcting their errors some students will think you are not doing your job.

Get the quiet shy ones involved these ones will be your biggest critics. If you can win them over you have he game sussed.

Go out with them at least once and share the bill this will bring jung into the class.
Don't say anything negative about Korea. Any discussions that relate to the dark side of Korean culture( Prostitution, sexism, alcoholism, racism) should be instigated by the students. When they ask you play ignorant. Korean adults love foreigners who are blind to the dark side.
Go along with them when they indulge in junk nationalism.( Korea is best)

[8 years down]

With adult classes you actually have to prepare something.

Also, if they don't see results they will bail.

Not my cup of tea, (i'm lazy) but go for it if you're the type.