Korean Job Discussion Forums

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

I've done open classes before but this time will be my first time doing one with a co-teacher.

I'm not going to say anything bad about the general co-teacher dynamic but I am going to say that I'm not a fan of it.

My typical class set-up involves me doing all prep-work with my CT either not showing up, acting as a translator or entirely taking over the class. let's just say I've learned to roll with the punches and I've learned the harder lesson that it isn't always a great idea to punch back.

My CT told me to write the outline. So, I did. Handed it in yesterday. As I was writing it I pondered just how far removed the final product would be then what I've envisioned in my head.

Now I've written the script to be exactly 50/50 between the teachers. I didn't even divide the lines according to KT/FT I just labeled them T1 and T2.

I'm excepting the final product to be 30% as to what I originally saw it as. I'm certain that my CT will keep at least a couple of exercises that I want the class to do.

But I'm not too sure about the dialogue. I'm sure that it'll stay the same on paper but in the actual class I highly suspect that need to show off and prove their worth as a teacher will take over and I'm expecting them to take over the show.

Now, I'm not in it for the fame and glory. The only goal I have is to reduce amount of complaining I get from my CT. But I know for certain that if they take over and mess it up it'll be my head on the platter. Why? Well, I wrote the script didn't I?

I keep thinking about my place in all this. I can't get promoted if I do a good job. I can't become a head teacher or a vice-principle. Hell, I can't even get my name on the tag outside of my door! I see no good benefits that will come out of this for me other than I won't get bitched at. And I don't consider the possibility of signing on for another year as a benefit. (Even through I know it's a major one to some.)

So, what are the good things to come out of an open class other then good feelings? Anyone who have been through this. Your thoughts?

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

The open class is more of a way to observe you and see how their children are performing. You are not really graded on performance. I completely bombed a young class with a few parents in it, and their comments were all positive and constructive. They told me a few things they expected to see which were reasonable, just not something I was used to. They liked my patience with the students even though they lost interest after 15 minutes. Getting them back to the lesson was really difficult.

The other parents in the other classes didn't care about my performance. They were more concerned about their child's performance. I think that's the key. Find ways to communicate the students' abilities to parents. If they can see their son or daughter improving, they will not worry so much if you are a good or bad teacher. You could use stickers or points on the board next to names to communicate this to parents. They don't need to know English then to see that you are steering them in the right direction.

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

jonbowman88 · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Location: gwangju, s korea

Yeah man, I smell what you're stepping in. I did an open class the other week. I probably did 80% of the teaching and the class went perfectly, everyone applauded my teaching abilities, blah blah blah. There is nothing in it for you at all, just the respect of the other teachers I guess. It really is a shame that you can't strive towards advancement. Oh well

jonpurdy · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Ulsan

I'm doing open classes both tomorrow and Thursday. I'm pretty sure they're not even about me at all; only about my co-teachers and their performance.

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

I think "feel good" is what it is all about.....

Keeps me young and "feeling good". But to each their own and we each come at things for our reasons, right or wrong from many angles.

If I had a dime for everytime I was asked, "Why? What's in it for you? " My only sensible reply was, "We're all in it together".

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

Dragoon · Joined: 18 Apr 2010

There are really no benefits to doing a good job in Korea. You'll never be promoted or get any kind of recognition. This is why I do the bare minimum to collect my money. There is no incentive to work hard here.

I know some people will say "you do it for the children." Screw that ..I got my own damn kids to worry about...

Dragoon · Joined: 18 Apr 2010

This will give your son the opportunity to test his mettle...kind of like a weaker version of military boot camp..or something like that.

SINK OR SWIM BABY!!!!!!!!

AsiaESLbound · Joined: 07 Jan 2010 Location: Truck Stop Missouri

I can't get over how an open class means staged rehearsed over dressed event instead of just being a regular class. I guess it's more about image than evaluation. There really isn't any incentive other than if you are around professionals who can give constructive criticism, but be supportive.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

There isn't any incentive to do well in your open class - unless you want to be re-signed. As you infer, big deal!

However, there's a major drawback in doing really well, i.e., the POE now have you on their radar for their terrible residential camps. I fell into this trap last year. The POE guy was really pleased, and started muttering about needing good teachers at camps etc. Luckily, I was saved by my school telling porkies (they said I was busy at my school for the vacation).

No such luck this year at my new school. I defered my open class until late in the year, hoping they wouldn't want me for camps, but... my new school didn't protect me - and so I have to babysit during the summer vacation.

nomad-ish · Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 3:36 pm Post subject:

at least you have the possibility of your co-teacher completely taking over. most of my co-teachers do absolutely no planning, no teaching, and no discipline. overall, they're pretty useless.

i don't think there's any benefit for you to do well in your open class (unless you want to resign, that is). if anything, it's in your best interest not to do really well in your open class. if you do, like another poster mentioned, you'll be wanted to do extra things by the school board or your co-teachers will all want to do their open classes with you.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

You will easily be able to go back to parroting the textbook. When governement officials think you are using the Communicative approach.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

open class => success = school is good, great director/principal/co-teacher

open class => fail = bad foreign teacher

it's all a dog and pony show, after all Wink

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

Smile, dress up, and be enthusiastic (but not overly so). If you are asked to do extra stuff say that you're "just too busy--it's impossible" and continue doing what you're doing.

I don't mind a week of camp at a nearby school, though. My school only does 2 or 3 days of camp and deskwarming gets boring. The extra pay is nice, too.