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cronolegs
Joined: 01 Feb 2012
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 Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:50 pm Post subject: Co-teaching help |
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Ive been teaching at a hogwon for just over a month.
Im a new teacher with no experience.
Throughout the month Ive been told by the boss/co-teacher what a good job im doing so I made an assumption what I was doing was correct.
Today I got a slating/roasting of insults and accusations completely out the blue that my enthusiasm was low and that I am not participating or helping prepare material etc...
So I am a bit confused on my situation and what is wrong.
The English of the Korea teachers is too low to get constructive advice on what I need to change. Or it was at the time of the meeting anyway. I will ask them again when its cooollled off a bit.
So the Korean co-teachers have tight repetitive lesson plans that basically involve flash cards and repetition of words. I have been taking a back seat roll and reading out new words when the co-teacher prompts me.
So the point they made of not helping prepare material and not participating enough is probably valid.
However I dont want to under-mine or take control of the lessons either.
Any advice/tips
I also wondered if anyone can explain the Korean culture on roastings like this. The meeting was pretty harsh with words like "I recruited you with positive expectations, I am very disappointed with the way you are performing". But like I say, the rest of the month has been positive and so I didn't see this coming at all...
Is this just Korean for, "try harder?" or is it Korean for we are going to fire you...? |
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losthooper
Joined: 25 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:17 pm Post subject: |
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Your first mistake was apologizing. That's tantamount to an admission of guilt. Never apologize in the workplace, especially in Korea.
They likely don't even have a concrete reason for criticizing you, but they're feeling you out to see what they can get away with. You'll be their whipping boy as long as you let them. While it's best to take a stand from the get-go, it's not too late to change and let them know who they're dealing with. My advice is turn the table on them. If they open with a complaint, counter diplomatically with a question about the way they are leading. Tell them "it's hard to understand their English sometimes," and when you speak, speak very slowly to highlight the communication difficulty. This will get them to stand down a bit because it will shift the spotlight back on their own shortcomings. If they comeback for more, ask for a list of expectations / instructions, this way, you can always point to that when they try to criticize you later for doing exactly as they asked. A lot of times they like to blame you for not meeting a certain inane criterion they never laid out, blaming you when it's their own failure to communicate. If you are used to being the friendly, polite, ambassador-type foreigner, they may mistake this for weakness, adopt a more firm speaking voice when they approach you. You should be ready for when it's coming. Look them in their eye. Don't smile. Turn off the "happy to be in a new country" charm. They will cut it out.
Take a stand early & often or they will walk all over you. They will respect you more for it & you won't be hen-pecked nearly as much. They will see you as weak and try to point out every little thing if you don't nip that in the bud. Don't worry about being an ambassador or polite or any of that nonsense. At the end of the day, it's a workplace, and you have to stand up for yourself when questioned. Always be on your guard. And don't you worry about getting fired, especially if you do it in the right way. Turn the charm on for the owners and the parents, and you'll be good to go. Co-teachers don't hold firing power, and even if they do in this situation, remember, you are difficult to replace in terms of the time it takes to get someone else over here. Only blatant violations result in termination. You hold some power. Think about how valuable you are in terms of being difficult to replace, that should embolden you.
Truth is, they're likely insecure about their own job performance or jealous of your pay/hours, or some combination. It's jealousy manifesting itself as "constructive criticism," that's all. Stand up for yourself and watch them fold. I did. |
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SeoulNate
Joined: 04 Jun 2010
Location: Hyehwa
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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| losthooper wrote: |
| If they comeback for more, ask for a list of expectations / instructions, this way, you can always point to that when they try to criticize you later for doing exactly as they asked. A lot of times they like to blame you for not meeting a certain inane criterion they never laid out, blaming you when it's their own failure to communicate. |
The rest of what he said wasnt really great advice, but this little spinet is good advice for any new teacher here.
To the OP: They are probably comparing you to the last NET they had and basing their criticism on that. Asking for a list, in writing, about what they want you to do in the classroom would be a start.
Also, I dont have the whole story, but it does sound like you are being fairly lazy, you need to be a little more proactive in class by participating and being more ready with sample questions / answers and basic sentences for the students to practice.
To be honest, your situation sounds fairly unique for a hakwon. Usually they pay you to actually deliver lessons in English and not just be an English robot parrot. |
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losthooper
Joined: 25 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:18 pm Post subject: Re: Co-teaching help |
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Again, I worked in a hagwon and almost the exact same thing happened (random attacks from coteachers). I will help you by addressing your specific concerns.
| cronolegs wrote: |
Today I got a slating/roasting of insults and accusations completely out the blue that my enthusiasm was low and that I am not participating or helping prepare material etc...
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Been there. Stand strong or lay down. Up to you.
| cronolegs wrote: |
So I am a bit confused on my situation and what is wrong.
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Now they smell blood...
| cronolegs wrote: |
The English of the Korea teachers is too low to get constructive advice on what I need to change.
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...From that statement alone, it's obvious that they the supervisor have their own shortcomings in terms of describing the duties to you, the employee, so they are at fault (failure to communicate). Don't tell us -- tell them. Especially when on the defense for supposed violations.
| cronolegs wrote: |
So the Korean co-teachers have tight repetitive lesson plans that basically involve flash cards and repetition of words.
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I almost wonder if this was the last school I was at. Describes my co-teacher exactly. Those lessons suck the life out of the learning process. Many hagwon teachers aren't any more of a certified teacher than you are, so don't over-respect them when they try to tell you how to teach. Many are incompetent and clueless. Their English is so poor they have to use flashcards and dumbed down lessons. That pretty much limits you to a spectator as she is standing by with cards and the kids are drones mindlessly repeating words. With that said, never take a "back-seat" like you said you do, you're still on the job. It would be good to ask her if it is okay to step out and work on putting together materials while she is showing flash cards. Or just step out on your own and start doing that and see how see responds. Maybe you observing her makes her self-conscious and/or nervous, and she just wants her space. It's quite normal for co-teachers to come and go while the other is scheduled to be the primary teacher. Observe her behavior when it's your "turn." If she comes and goes freely to work on other projects, it may be a sign that it is kosher and even expected (because if you don't come and go, that could mean you are a lazy ass). You probably don't even have many materials to prepare given most hagwons use a fancy curriculum set nowadays. But stay active. Your lack of activity may equal laziness in her mind. A wise man once said, "Never mistake activity for achievement" - unfortunately this was never translated to Korean. Besides, working on materials during her flash card fest would solve her complaint about you not preparing materials. She may not even need you for that part of the lesson but she isn't communicating it to you, yet seeing you sitting there is irritating, so in a roundabout way she is blaming you for her lack of communication. Say to her that during the times she is teaching, you will use the time to make materials rather than observe her. Try to translate it into the appropriate konglish.
| cronolegs wrote: |
Any advice/tips
I also wondered if anyone can explain the Korean culture on roastings like this. The meeting was pretty harsh with words like "I recruited you with positive expectations, I am very disappointed with the way you are performing". But like I say, the rest of the month has been positive and so I didn't see this coming at all...
Is this just Korean for, "try harder?" or is it Korean for we are going to fire you...? |
This is Korean for I've reached the pinnacle of my career and I'm miserable with the thought of it and I'm in my 30's yet single so I'll probably never get married and I hear nothing but complaints from the higher ups and parents and meanwhile this young foreign guy works less than me and gets paid more soooo.. I want to use him as an outlet for my stress.
Hope that helps.
Last edited by losthooper on Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:34 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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cronolegs
Joined: 01 Feb 2012
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:26 pm Post subject: |
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It certainly does help Thanks.
The co-teachers are also my bosses. I consider them good people, but what do I know 
Its two of them and they clearly agreed with eachother on the complaint.
There is another guy teacher from the US with 3 years experience so I guess I am being compared to him (i dont co-teach with him).
He defended me in the meeting and said it took him at least 3 months to find the required "energy" in a classroom for teaching children.
Not best friends with this guy, but we have an understanding of eachother and I will get his views at the end of the day.
I did stand my ground and said the easiest solution to the problem would be to spectate one of their lessons with the co-teacher american.
To my surprise this was rejected or at least frowned upon. No idea why...
Anyway I will just walk into one of their lessons next week and see whats going on.
Im in a slightly unique situation where I dont actually care if I get fired. I don't need the money and ide be perfectly happy to disappear to another country.
What I do want, is to be respected and told im doing a good job. Which I was (being told)... until today.
If im a bad teacher and getting complaints left right and centre then I would rather walk away now.
From your reactions it sounds like im not in the firing range. Some of the teachers points are probably valid and I should just work through the problem and try and be less lazy. Or at least.... look more productive..
Simples
| Quote: |
"they're likely insecure about their own job performance or jealous of your pay/hours, or some combination" |
Ha just read this.
Kinda funny then that this roasting came a day after I announced I was going KTX to Busan this weekend.
He did bring my little holiday into the argument as well. Saying I always look tired and asking what time I go to bed etc..
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"Many hagwon teachers aren't any more of a certified teacher than you are, so don't over-respect them when they try to tell you how to teach. Many are incompetent and clueless." |
I find this interesting. Because the one class of kids I do teach by myself I have apparently received complaints that the class is too difficult.
The two students who apparently complained scored perfect scores on speaking tests today. Sooo, again im left thinking What??
I also asked the kid how many times he had done this book. Lets go 4, turned out he has done it 3 times and its now his 4th repeat with me...
I almost get the impression they want me to be an entertainer not a teacher. So ive bought some throw and catch stuff and will see how that works out.
Worth noting Ive had no complaints from my adult students... |
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losthooper
Joined: 25 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:54 pm Post subject: |
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| cronolegs wrote: |
Im in a slightly unique situation where I dont actually care if I get fired. I don't need the money and ide be perfectly happy to disappear to another country.
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My mistake, I can no longer defend you. You need to change your attitude. You're in the wrong. You have the wrong attitude and it is being reflected in your approach to the job. You're mailing it in everyday because you don't really care. My situation was not the same. You don't care and they can sense it. Either commit yourself or get out.
| cronolegs wrote: |
What I do want, is to be respected and told im doing a good job. Which I was (being told)... until today.
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How can you expect to be respected when you don't even respect the fact that they took a chance on you and gave you a job? You have to earn respect, and sometimes, even if you earn it, you don't get it. But you haven't earned it. How do you expect to be told you're doing a good job when you "don't care" and have one eye on the next country?
| cronolegs wrote: |
From your reactions it sounds like im not in the firing range. Some of the teachers points are probably valid and I should just work through the problem and try and be less lazy. Or at least.... look more productive..
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No, you're not in the firing range yet. As long as you are showing up to work on time, sober and not getting complaints from students or parents, you're not on the verge of being fired. But that doesn't mean you're doing a good job either. You were right in your first post, their criticism is likely justified.
| cronolegs wrote: |
"they're likely insecure about their own job performance or jealous of your pay/hours, or some combination"
Ha just read this.
Kinda funny then that this roasting came a day after I announced I was going KTX to Busan this weekend.
He did bring my little holiday into the argument as well. Saying I always look tired and asking what time I go to bed etc..
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Try going to bed earlier. You probably do look tired. Appearance is very important in Korea. Find a routine that works for you so you have enough energy. You're not in college anymore.
In my case I was always hyped up and engaging with the kids, smiling, clean cut and dressed up ready to go! My primary co-teacher was always down, tired and robotic. Then again, she worked 9-7, and I worked 10-5. And I was paid more. And she knew I was living in a paid-for apartment down the street from the school while she had to travel 1.5 hour by subway every day each way. Pretty easy to figure out why she was so bitter towards me. People like to rob your joy. Doesn't sound like it is the case with you. Sounds legitimate.
| cronolegs wrote: |
Because the one class of kids I do teach by myself I have apparently received complaints that the class is too difficult.
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You better fix that in a hurry, or you may get fired eventually. Kids/parents are the paying customers. They make the rules. Definitely start spicing it up with learning games. You sound like you've been mailing it in. I made some incorrect assumptions, I can't say our situations are the same now.
You can still change. It starts with you. I'd still advise you to stand up for yourself, even if you're in the wrong, because it's in your best interests. By the way, when you say your coteachers are your boss, do you mean they are the owners? Big difference between being the owner and the "boss" of the teachers. Big difference in incentives of retaining a NET. The owner's definition of a good job is if you show up everyday and students/parents never complain about you (bonus points for being well groomed/clean attire). This is because an owner doesn't want to have to find a replacement. "Bosses"/co-teachers are far more likely to nitpick because they don't have to deal with the cost of replacing you. Luckily for you it's not in their hands to make that decision. If the owner's happy, you're gold. Pretty simple formula to keep the owner happy. |
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cronolegs
Joined: 01 Feb 2012
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| Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:48 am Post subject: |
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My mistake, I can no longer defend you. You need to change your attitude. You're in the wrong. You have the wrong attitude and it is being reflected in your approach to the job. You're mailing it in everyday because you don't really care. My situation was not the same. You don't care and they can sense it. Either commit yourself or get out.
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I don't really get where your coming from with that. Of course I dont want to get fired and of course I care. I came here to do a good job. The money just means if I'm not good at the job (or I dont like it) then I can walk away (without caring).
If I didn't care I wouldn't be here (hence the money thing). Its not an issue. If anything it should demonstrate I care more. Because I'm working here because I like it and.... because I care about the job.
I think my statement was misleading perhaps. What I meant to say is, getting fired will not destroy me personally and will not destroy my finance (thats the aspect of not caring im talking about.. not about the job).
They are the boss of teachers. So nit picking is probably a factor.
So just to clear that up. I do care about the job, and I do care about getting fired.
Its the implications of getting fired that I don't care about.
Anyway, thanks for the advice.
Definitely some things to change and improve about myself. But overall it sounds like a mixture of finally displaying their feelings about my work, whilst testing the water of my attitude and commitment towards the school.
As for the class with a complaint.
If I was fired over that I would consider that unfair. The student in question is not struggling with the class which was the complaint. He scored a perfect score in his tests and I actually considered him the best student in the class.
What he can complain about is the class being to boring. This I would understand.
As with any new ESL teacher I think it takes time to find their teaching style.
I've recently purchased a load of games, balls, etc etc, and plan on trying to take a different role in the class room, and put down the boring text books. (did this before the meeting by the way)
It's difficult for a new ESL teacher, we are told you must finish 4 units within X amount of time. This quickly becomes boring lessons based around a workbook so it doesn't surprise me the complaints roll in.
I think its time to take my own style and try a different approach. |
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losthooper
Joined: 25 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 1:43 am Post subject: |
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I don't really get where your coming from with that. Of course I dont want to get fired and of course I care. I came here to do a good job. The money just means if I'm not good at the job (or I dont like it) then I can walk away (without caring).
If I didn't care I wouldn't be here (hence the money thing). Its not an issue. If anything it should demonstrate I care more. Because I'm working here because I like it and.... because I care about the job.
I think my statement was misleading perhaps. What I meant to say is, getting fired will not destroy me personally and will not destroy my finance (thats the aspect of not caring im talking about.. not about the job).
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OK, that makes sense. I understand now. It sounded like you were just half-assing it.
Anytime, glad to help. Just trying to be honest. I think you'll be fine if you begin to a) self-critique and work on fixing the minor things and b) stand up for yourself in the face of the nitpicking. |
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mmace1
Joined: 08 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 2:23 am Post subject: |
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| losthooper wrote: |
Your first mistake was apologizing. That's tantamount to an admission of guilt. Never apologize in the workplace, especially in Korea.
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Sounds like a recipe for a happy work life! Co-workers are human too, even in Korea. I've had co-teachers apologize for stupid nothings - that's not really the culture to "never apologize". I mean...unless one views co-workers as the enemy, etc. and not friends. Sounds fun!
Though I would say that one part of Korean culture is kind of...ignoring things until one explodes. So everything is fine...fine...fine...OK exploding, it sucks. People sometimes go with the flow until freaking out. So I would guess they'd been a bit unhappy with you always, just kept it quiet until now. Sorry... 
I had the same experience my first year - was surprised by the criticism I received in month 3. That said the general thrust of their criticism was correct - dunno if it is with your hagwon. It could just be a toxic place to work (those exist). I had always worked at one high school...but left when new management came in and it became a bit "toxic", so that certainly can happen. What do you think? |
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cronolegs
Joined: 01 Feb 2012
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| Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:26 pm Post subject: |
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| I had the same experience my first year - was surprised by the criticism I received in month 3. That said the general thrust of their criticism was correct - dunno if it is with your hagwon. |
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| What do you think? |
Well yes, I agree with alot of the criticism they gave. Taking a back seat roll has clearly made them think I am lazy.
I was happy with the way it was running, and I thought they were too.
There was alot of nit picky stuff, mostly about appearance and organisation. Ive sorted those and am doing it their way from now.
Stuff that really makes no difference to the way my day or lessons run, but makes me look more busy and organised...
However
Now it's all in the open I suddenly realize I am being put in an impossible situation. It's a new school with little experience, so I am being directly compared to my American Co-teacher who A) has 3 years experience and
B) can speak some Korean.
It's the inconsistency of lessons sometimes having the same lesson plans, to sometimes randomly chucking in some games. Loads of Korean being spoken to explain things (especially in the big classes), then I am suddenly put on the spot and asked a question.
I am then expected to know what's going on, and then be enthusiastic with whatever is required.
To make matters worse its just been the test period, so the lessons have been even more "excitable" and even more random and inconsistent. Today I really tried to find my roll in the classroom and it just didn't work.
I probably went the other way in the end and became more reserved after failing to do what I wanted.
Either I completely suck at teaching kids or they are doing something wrong, or they are expecting toooo much.
Its a difficult situation
It's not the way I operate, but I got the impression the rules are
If you turn up to work
look smart
not drunk
Then they should be reasonably happy with you.
In this case it seems not.
The American teacher will watch some of my classes next week and critique me. He seems to want to help.
Everyone in this office cares about the job, so I think the expectation are unreasonably high for a new teacher.
It's a good but difficult situation to be in. |
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pegasus64128
Joined: 20 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:46 pm Post subject: Re: Co-teaching help |
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| losthooper wrote: |
| cronolegs wrote: |
Today I got a slating/roasting of insults and accusations completely out the blue that my enthusiasm was low and that I am not participating or helping prepare material etc...
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Been there. Stand strong or lay down. Up to you.
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I agree with this. Safeguard your independence. I'm used to doing things for myself and I hope you are too. I came to Korea of my own volition. I had no co-teacher in my first job. I wasn't a member of Dave's then either for better or worse. Don't take the backseat too much with help from others, and co-teachers etc. Gain some independence. That's my advice. |
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comm
Joined: 22 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 5:59 am Post subject: |
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| cronolegs wrote: |
I did stand my ground and said the easiest solution to the problem would be to spectate one of their lessons with the co-teacher american.
To my surprise this was rejected or at least frowned upon. No idea why...
Anyway I will just walk into one of their lessons next week and see whats going on.
...
I almost get the impression they want me to be an entertainer not a teacher. So ive bought some throw and catch stuff and will see how that works out.
Worth noting Ive had no complaints from my adult students... |
This was the most important part of this thread, imo. If they're satisfied with the teacher with 3 years of experience and want you to do as well, they SHOULD want you to mimic him until you figure it out.
Though it's possible that his co-teacher is much better than your co-teacher, and yours has managed to pawn off all of his/her shortcomings onto you. In this case no one would want you to see the other class or you'd realize you're doing fine.
Practical advice:
Always be enthusiastic
Always be interested
Ask often if you can participate/help/contribute/observe/participate
Appearance is everything, and apparent attitude is a huge part of that. And yes, "participate" is there twice for a reason. |
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