Korean Job Discussion Forums

[is so delicious]

Two weeks ago I was hired (for a five week two-hour-a-day course) the night before classes started with no experience teaching OPIC and no experience teaching college students. The texts they gave me are in Korean.

I know my students like me (personality-wise), but I think they can tell I don't quite know what I'm doing. I'm trying but just can't seem to break through. I've done a fair amount of research on the internet, but there's surprisingly little about it online, at least as far as study guides/suggestions/practice tests/etc.

I figure I need to get more organized and simply need to get them speaking more. But how??

This doesn't seem like your everyday conversation course. I could handle that. This seems to be stressing very structured discussions on specific topics. I don't know how the hell to succeed with that when the students range from fluent to seemingly elementary school level (or maybe they're just really shy).

They expect me to simply improve their test scores. I fear I'm not up to the task.

Does anyone have any experiences, suggestions, or even websites/study guides they'd like to share?? I'd appreciate it.

[rdjarvis]

Hey, I'm about to start teaching OPIc, but also have very little (English) information about it. I have a couple of Korean text books - but would love some more info in English. Could you share anything you found out?
Cheers, Richard

[fustiancorduroy]

I haven't taught the OPIC, but it doesn't look too different from the TOEIC or IELTS speaking tests. Remember, standardized tests are not tests of fluency, just tests of proficiency. So to teach standardized tests well, you need to make your classes as systematic as possible.

First, determine what each of the tasks requires the test-takers to do. This will allow you to help the students develop the speaking skills needed for each part of the test. For example, question 1 might ask students to talk about their favorite hobby, so have maybe choose a couple hobbies and come up with sample answers with supporting logic and details for the entire class.

Next, make lists of phrases and speaking templates for each of the question types. Korean students love phrases, so have the students practice their speaking using these phrases that you make. Include introductory phrases, such as, "Out of all hobbies in the world, _____________-ing is my absolute favorite. I feel this way for two reasons," as well as phrases for giving details, introducing examples, and stating conclusions. I've been making templates for years with the TOEFL and SAT tests, both of which are harder than the OPIC, and have gotten excellent results with this method.

Third, divide each task into sub-sections, outlining specific tasks for the students to do. Time the students during your class using a stopwatch. For example, the students may have to speak for 60 seconds during question 1, so have them give introductions for 10 seconds, supporting reasons and details for 20 seconds, a personal experience to illustrate their point for 25 seconds, and a conclusion for 5 seconds. You will have to get a feel for the test and the students to understand how they should divide their time during each task.

As for the books being in Korean, have a Korean co-worker help translate the books for you, at least the important parts. Also, seeing as how you are living in Korea, you could make an effort to understand the Korean on your own, using dictionaries and textbooks. Improving your Korean ability will only help you in your personal and professional lives in Korea.

[pkang0202]

OPIC is not a fluency test, its a proficiency test.

Meaning you can simply memorize the answers and say them to the computer.

You can manipulate the test so that you know exactly waht questions it asks you. Before you take a test, you take a survey on your hobbies, work, home, etc... The questions come directly from that survey.

You shoudln't think of this test as a conversation test. This is an interview test. You need to give structure to the answers, giving them strategy on how they can best answer.

Each answer should be about 1-2 minutes length. A common way I would teach is:

1. give basic information (2-3 sentences)
2. 3 details (based on what you see, hear, taste, smell) (6-8 sentences)
3. A personal experience (4-6 sentences)
4. Conclusion (1-3 sentences)

The higher their English ability, the longer/more detailed their answers can be.