Korean Job Discussion Forums

[World Traveler]

This popular video maker recommends it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52KyPYBxGik&feature=relmfu

What are your thoughts on this issue?

[Rutherford]

Depends on the students. I don't give it out but sometimes in class I'll take pictures or videos with my smart phone and the students want them. We've exchanged numbers in order to text photos to each other. No problems other than some funny prank calls.

If you're a male teacher at a middle or high school be careful. You might have some female students try to take it too far. My advice there is either make your phone number available to everyone and make sure the Korean staff knows you have and why or keep it secret.

[PatrickBateman]

Short answer: no
Long answer: no

[Chet Wautlands]

[GrasshopperKR]

Keep your work life and personal life separate.

[koreatimes]

I allow students to post online on a public website. No private exchange of messages. If I need to send a photo, then everyone should have access.

[jrwhite82]

[ttompatz]

[Some of the Mothers Said]

[nathanrutledge]

working in a uni, i give my students my number. It's on the syllabus, it's on my business cards that are available to anyone who comes in the office. I told my students that they could call me whenever they had trouble with class, whenever they needed anything, with one caveat. If it was outside of regular work hours, then they had to judge the severity of the emergency. Call me at 6 pm, a minor problem. Call me at 9 pm - a fair sized problem. Call me when I'm sleeping - the world better be ending.

I've had no trouble with it. Got a few texts REALLY late one night about the computer homework that wasn't working. Some phone calls right before the final exams with questions. Other than that, nothing.

The key is boundaries. If you let your students think that they can call you for fun, then they'll do it. If you make it clear that your number is for business purposes only, then they'll act accordingly. Of course, this is my take on it with university students. Middle school students got my number once (stole a teachers phone list from her desk) and prank called me a few times, but when I caught them and embarrassed them in class, it didn't happen any more.

The real question to ask is WHY are you giving them your number? Do you have a legitimate, educational purpose for it? unless you're teaching adults, nine times of ten, I'd say no.

[Rutherford]

I think it depends on age. I teach elementary and some of my students have my number. It hasn't been a big deal. I don't think I would give my number to middle or high school students but by university they are adults and should be able to judge when it is appropriate to call. I think with uni kids I'd just go through email though.

[1927]

[Perceptioncheck]

I can not imagine any situation where it would be appropriate to give elementary students your phone number.

[jvalmer]

I say it depends on how well you know Korea culture. But for most foreigners I'd say no. However, be aware that other Korean teachers, especially homeroom teachers, will give out their numbers to their students. Students pretty often will call their homeroom teacher first, before their parents, if they get into serious trouble.

But if a student really wants to find out your number, they will find it pretty easily. Phone numbers are practically published and advertised on various pieces of paper scattered around school.

[dgove]

I can't imagine any of my elementary school students calling the homeroom teachers. And...like everyone else said...no. There is no reason you should be giving your phone number to a 10 year old.