Korean Job Discussion Forums

[3DR]

I'm still learning the ropes so I hope someone could give me some tips. I taught public school last year and I liked creating my own lessons mores than having to stick to a book like this year.

The problem I'm having is trying to extend two pages of material a day into 45 minutes (will be 55 min classes starting in March), while at the same time trying to make the book a bit more interesting so they aren't bored.

I have no problem doing a review game for the last 5-10 minutes of class, but before that, the kids just seem to be bored.

Then again sometimes I wonder if I should care because the books focus on discussion. Some of the questions they definitely can't understand, but a lot of questions they can understand and sometimes they make absolutely no effort to participate always saying "teaching game!" If they come into class with a bad attitude already, then it's not my problem.

Thanks for any tips you can give

[tanklor1]

I'm assuming that you're dealing with lower level classes. Can you give an example of the materials that you have to work with? Perhaps the name of the book series?

[3DR]

[jrwhite82]

Do you try grouping them in different ways besides just their neighbor? That can help a little bit.

I learned a fun game called "Hurry Up and Dictate" during my orientation.

You right out a dialogue on a sheet of paper and post it on the wall in your room or out in the hallway (as long as you won't disturb anyone around you). Split the class up into teams. Each team has runners and writers and you can do this as a relay as well so they have to tell someone who then tells another student who then tells the writer.

So basically, the runner runs up to the dialogue and memorizes the first line. He then runs to the writer or his relayer and tells them the sentence. Then they write it down. Next runner goes out and gets line #2. Then when all teams are finished you have the writer present the dialogue. Add 5 seconds for each mistake. Fastest time wins.

Another fun way is to pass out cards that have information on it. There are pairs that match and the students have to go around and ask each other questions and answer the questions to find their partners.

Another fun way is to tape signs on the students backs and they have to go around asking questions about who they are. Other students can answer by giving hints.

It sounds like you have to get these kids out of their chairs in a structured manner to get them to do something and enjoy it.

A lot of it comes down to modeling too. If the kids think that a one word answer is enough to pass through, that's all you're going to get. First you should model it and show them what you expect. You also should give them some time to organize their thoughts. Think-Pair-Share. Present the question, give an example of an appropriate response. Then give the students some time to think of something. Supply them with some kind of a graphic organizer to help them organize or map out their thoughts. Then have them share it with a partner. Then the pairs present their idea together.

Try making a KWL chart - What do they Know / Want to know / Learn. At the begining of a topic....maybe dinosaurs. The students make a list in the first column of what they know (or think think they know) then they write what they want to learn about. Then when you're done, you go back to the chart and they fill in what they learned.

Pass out skittles or M&M's. Each student gets at least two. They can't eat them until you say its ok. And make it very clear that you cannot eat them until after the activity. Each color has to answer a question. So on the computer show a list of questions that go with the color. For example, Red: Do you think global warming is a problem for your generation or future generations? So if they have a red M&M they have to answer that question. The funniest thing is that the first time you do it, all the students are going to take a bunch of M&Ms and will have to answer all the questions. Once they answer the question they can eat the M&M for that color.

Split them up into small groups. In each corner hang a piece of paper for them to write their ideas on. Each group has their own color marker. They get 3 minutes at each corner to answer the question on top of the paper. Show the timer on your computer screen so they stay on task. When they are done, they can discuss their answers and why they are the same or different.

[3DR]

[liz88]

I heard public school is better than the hagwons, which do you prefer?

[3DR]

[jrwhite82]

Did you try any of those ideas? Did it work at all?