Korean Job Discussion Forums

supermouse · Joined: 19 Apr 2011

I have been at this school for about a month and I seem to be having trouble with this one class. Part of the problem is the way the class is set up, the students sit at a long table facing each other, not in desks facing me. I notice a lot of people on this forum are sometimes quick to say when a teach is having trouble with a class they have no management skills. But I have not seen an acknowledgement of problem classes on this forum.

I have a bit of experience teaching, at times I was too strict and other times maybe too laid back. These days I try to find a happy medium. This class though, the set up is an issue, but also the teacher before me. I am under the impression he was their buddy, he spoke Korean with them and always gave them snacks. These kids are older elementary kids, so they have an attitude, but still have not matured. They compared me to him and gave me the we are Korean spiel so we speak Korean.

I told the director I was having problems, she yelled at them and the kids got mad at me as if I betrayed them. They just have no respect for me, although the last two classes things ran OK. I was given advice by another teacher that I need to find the leader of the class and get them on my side. But there is no clear leader, and snacks kind of work. The kids who want to work though, will work no matter what.

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

Always Always the preceding teacher was great and you can not compare. Ignore this. Change seating, try some activities, it will get better. Guess what when you leave the next Net will have to listen as the students tell them how great you were. If you put more effort into your teaching it gets easier.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

If you think the desks are an issue, why don't you just change the seating arrangement? Or is this somehow frowned upon by your managers?

emetib · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:58 am Post subject:

Supermouse,

It is YOUR class. You are the teacher. They are the students. You have to survive the class with them. They are Korean, they might speak Korean, but guess what? It is English time so they need to speak English in your class. Change the seating arrangement and tell the headteacher that you find that for you to have a successful class and for the children to learn well it needs to be that way. Then start teaching and have fun. Make it fun, but don't let them walk all over you. I've learned not to expect to have a Korean teacher come in and manage my class for me. I've had to do it myself. See if you can learn some basic Korean class control words from one of the teachers in your school They really help ALOT. I know it can be frustrating and overwhelming at times but hang in there. You can do it! =)

Gorf · Joined: 25 Jun 2011

My stupid school has all the classrooms set up this way. It breeds talking among students but the kids enjoy it more, so they get their way. I'm not afraid to move them if needed, however.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

I think it is much better for students in a language class to sit in groups. One way you can deal with this is to make a lot of tasks a group effort, but make sure each student has a clearly defined role in the group (group leader, group note taker, group speaker, group spell checker, group illustrator -let's address all intelligences! - and group teacher-liaison). Change up the group roles with each new task.

Good luck!

supermouse · Joined: 19 Apr 2011

Its tough to move them around because its 8 kids at this one table. I have actually taught in a setting like this before, but to adults. Their just such a high maintenance class, its so bad they used to hide under the tables, but i got that to stop. Its a shame because i want them to like me, but what matters more is respect and in this class the two just can not seem to go together.

koreatimes · Joined: 07 Jun 2011

I am not sure how the classroom is set up. Is it only 1 long table or do you have room for 3 or 4 tables?

If it is only 1 long table, then I put a computer at one end, their heads will turn to see the computer. You need a central focus, otherwise, they will look across the table and talk. Even business meetings have this style of seating and often the tables are round.

If you have a blackboard, then what I do is have the tables positioned parallel to the board, one group will have their backs to the board. Have them turn their seats around and now everyone is looking up like a classroom. When they have to write or do an activity on the board, they turn around.

Another approach is to create a "U" shape. This puts space between students, and it gives you a chance to talk to the class as a group or each student. You are the one they are directly across from. I pick the worst trouble maker and I work my may up. Remember to go back to that student while you are helping the 2nd worst. Keep reinforcing yourself as the leader. You aren't their coach with it comes to discipline, and they are not a team.