Korean Job Discussion Forums

ch1can3 · Joined: 30 Jan 2011 Location: US

So I'm about to file my documents and get the visa, sign the contract, all that jazz, when it suddenly hits me. I can't do this. This is impossible. Not the culture shock, I've lived abroad for 1.5 years in China, I adjust well. It's the teaching. I have never taken an education course or a TEFL certificate of any kind, and I'll be doing High School through EPIK. Unfortunately, I missed the epik orientation too, so I'm going to be thrown in a classroom to get eaten by the fish. I've been doing my research for some time, but I just don't know how to really conduct a class. Am I to be assertive, or follow my co-teacher? I don't know anything about lesson plans, only that public schools tend to have their teachers create them on their own. That's fine and all, but how the heck do I figure out a starting point? Will they at least brief me somewhat on the situation? My recruiter is not being helpful in the least with any of this.

For short, please suggest some PS tips for a greenie that will help me get my feet under me.

I'm so nervous. Help.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

sadguy · Joined: 13 Feb 2011

man it's hard to give a crash course over a forum. i feel your pain. when i first changed my major to education, it was nerve racking to be in front of a crowd of my own peers, let alone students. i was just nervous as hell.

then i worked as a waiter and bartender and got super comfortable being in front of people, putting myself out there and learning how to control a crowd.

some things to keep in mind as far as being a teacher is to think of your lesson as a product and you're selling it. but you have to have a sincere interest in what you're selling otherwise students will see right through it.

find things that are relevant to students interest and make it interesting enough for them to want to pay attention.

keep things simple, don't over complicate.

be confident, if you're not a confident person, fake that confidence.

think about your past teachers, which ones were good and which ones were bad and why, and try to take the good things from them.

speak slow and clearly. and check for understanding (not by asking yes or no questions)

ask to observe some classes first before jumping in there. ask to observe another native teacher (this probably won't happen, but just ask anyways, they might let you)

ummm... i'm sure other posters will have lots of helpful tips. good luck

oh and another helpful site is eflclassroom.ning.com the guy who runs the site is named dave, he's really good at his craft and loves helping other teachers out. get connected with him and he'll load you up with resources.

bojangles · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Location: south jeolla

In addition to the ideas already listed...learn your students NAMES, or make your best attempt at it. For instance, have them make a nametag, collect them, make a seating chart, and call roll every day. Even if your co-teacher did it already. Tell them you want to learn their names. The more you repeat their names, the better your chances of remembering. If you know their names, the less likely they are to mess with you. Get help with the pronunciation and practice every chance you get. It's the easiest way I know to connect with the students while at the same time saving your own ass. You'll never learn them all, but the ones you do will make it worth the effort. GooodLuck.

ontheway · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:55 am Post subject:

Dont' sweat it. Just come. Public school teaching jobs are easy. As long as you show up on time and sober anyone can do this job. You will just be a babysitter or entertainment anyway. There is no real English education in the Public schools and very little education in any subject. Nearly all learning in Korea takes place in hogwans, with private tutors at home or students teaching themselves.

bojangles · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Location: south jeolla

Also, be prepared to make mistakes. Many, many, many mistakes. Just try to learn from them and keep moving forward. Don't let the student's attitude or opinion get you down. They are fickle, like the weather. One day is cloudy, but the next can be sunny. Use props:things they can look at;things they can touch. But again, learn their names. That is essential.
GoodLuck.