Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tlocking]

I have read a couple posts that mention the use of cameras in classrooms and I was wondering if that is a common practice in Korean schools.

[PatrickGHBusan]

It happens in some schools.

Just ask when you get an offer if its something that bothers you.

Its not a big deal really.

[litebear]

I worked in a hagwon/kindergarten where 70% of our classrooms had cameras and 30% didn't.

Personally, I prefer the camera. Mainted the teacher's safety as much as the student's, IMO. Infact my colleague got accused of dislocating a student's arm in his first week. Our bosses checked the CCTV and saw it was BS. Withou the camera, I dunno. I doubt they'd have fired him but it would have hung over his head for a long time.

[northway]

[Son Deureo!]

I've taught at two schools that had cameras, and at both they were video only cameras. Without sound, and with them pointed away from the whiteboard it was impossible for the cameras to capture the actual content of the lessons. They were definitely not there to capture video for training purposes. In fact, they weren't even being recorded at all. If the boss or parents didn't catch it live, they never saw it at all.

The feedback I received from CCTV was rarely productive. Typical comments included:

"Why didn't the students have their textbooks on their desks during the first 5 minutes of class?"

"My child looks bored."

"Why did such-and-such student pack his bags before the bell rang?"

In other words, annoying, and not particularly helpful for anyone concerned. If they actually care about what you and your students are doing in your classroom, they should come in and observe from time to time, and not just watch silent video.

From a director who likes to micromanage, CCTV has the potential to be a real nightmare, but it turned out to be just a minor annoyance at the schools I worked at.

If you're not comfortable with being on video in your classroom, you're well within your rights to ask prospective employers about it and consider it when weighing job offers. Plenty of schools don't use it.

[ttompatz]

Back in 2004 I was accused of kicking a child in the class.
I was vindicated by the cctv as the tape clearly showed that I was no-where near the child and never used physical force or intimidation in any class.

Even if the original goal of their installation was about marketing (let mom watch little Mi-na) in reality they are as much about protecting you and the students from unfounded accusations.

Don't sweat the little stuff. There are much bigger things to worry about than a CCTV in the classroom of a hagwan.

.

[vermouth]

[edwardcatflap]

[Malislamusrex]

I've got a camera in my class, never really thought about it until now to be honest.

[Joshea8]

We have cameras at my hagwon, and it's actually worked out for the better.

Our principal doesn't just watch it randomly (or we don't think he does). But I'd actually prefer him to watch it on the camera without me knowing, then him walking in to watch me teach like it states in my contract. It's useful for teaching when something happens between students that we don't see, then we just have the Korean teachers check it to find out what. If I've learned anything teaching, kids lie more than I could ever imagine, and the CCTV is definitely helpful.

It felt a bit weird at first, since although we were assured it's not to watch the teacher, just the students, it still feels that way sometimes.

[metalhead]

I prefer having the camera in the classroom, for reasons mentioned above, and it keeps me on my toes and in a way forces me to do the best job that I can (okay, sometimes just a good enough job, we all have off-days).