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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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 Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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| My Korean is better than most lazy waygooks |
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| I spend 5 minutes looking at the day's lesson plan |
Kind of ironic. It doesn't matter how much time you spend on your actual teaching job as long as you put those hours in learning Korean eh? That's the important thing. |
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Flashcard_Queen
Joined: 17 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Gorf wrote: |
| I teach the same kids 5 days a week, unlike you who have a MWF/TTH schedule and my number is about 60. |
I used to do the MWF/TTH thing last year, but now I have the same students every day. My total number is 52, but they're spread out over 6 classes instead of the 4 you have.
You're right, having upwards of 22 in one class with no Korean teacher wouldn't be fun; for me, I can easily say it would be unmanageable.
I worked at a public school in Gangnam a few years back, but it wasn't for SMOE. I don't know how it works now, but at the time, hiring for Gangnam public schools was done through a separate office.
I taught 5th and 6th grade classes with no co-teacher (most of my peers in the area had one), so it was just me and about 30-35 students, and at that time my Korean was super basic. I got through (read: survived) my year and left.
At first, I thought it would be great to not have to coordinate with somebody else, to be able to do whatever I wanted. Nope! Would've been so much easier with a co-teacher. |
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thebearofbundang
Joined: 02 Sep 2012
Location: Bundang
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| Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 6:20 pm Post subject: |
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Don't worry so much about the number of students when compared to other schools. When I was doing afterschool we had 120 students, but our school had 1200 students. Smaller schools will always have less students who will sign up for afterschool. Every teaching job I've ever had in Korea I've been told that the parents are 'demanding'. This is nothing out of the ordinary, all parents who send their kids to academies and afterschool programs have high expectations.
With that being said, the thing to worry about is the number of students dropping dramatically. If you start the year with 70 and end with 60 that's fine. But if you start with 80 and end with 50 that's gonna look bad on you. My old job we started the year with around 120 and ended around 110 each time. We handed out ads twice a year and I would say around 20 of the original 120 would quit and 10 new students would join. In my company's eyes this was acceptable. If we fell below 100 I would have been worried.
I had an F6 and a co-teacher. We had our own classrooms and rotated classes daily. Also had 2 open class days a year.. That was the only bad part of the job, even though they went well they were quite stressful. |
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nero
Joined: 11 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 6:50 pm Post subject: |
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I am like you, Flashcard Queen.
I worry about things that are mostly out of my control.
You sound like you make a good effort to be an efficient teacher, and that's really the most you can do.
I just have to think to myself 'what will be will be.'
What's the worst that can happen? |
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Flashcard_Queen
Joined: 17 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:34 am Post subject: |
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| thebearofbundang wrote: |
The thing to worry about is the number of students dropping dramatically. If you start the year with 70 and end with 60 that's fine. But if you start with 80 and end with 50 that's gonna look bad on you. My old job we started the year with around 120 and ended around 110 each time. We handed out ads twice a year and I would say around 20 of the original 120 would quit and 10 new students would join. In my company's eyes this was acceptable. If we fell below 100 I would have been worried.
I had an F6 and a co-teacher. We had our own classrooms and rotated classes daily. Also had 2 open class days a year.. That was the only bad part of the job, even though they went well they were quite stressful. |
Unfortunately, what you describe is basically what's happened. We started out with about 75 students in October 2010. We usually lost 5-10 students when the next registration period came around, but another 5-10 would sign up, so things balanced out.
By March of this year, we were down to 64. As you said, that's not so bad considering it was over a period of 17 months. But since then, we've gone down to 52, and it's been 6 months. Because I've been the only teacher since March, it does look bad on me, which is unfair for lots of reasons.
| nero wrote: |
| You sound like you make a good effort to be an efficient teacher, and that's really the most you can do. |
Thanks. I appreciate that. I really do work hard every day and try to be the best teacher I can be. That's not to say I don't have flaws, but I'm always trying to improve.
I have an hour of prep three times a week and an hour and fifty-five minutes twice a week. I use that time wisely. I carefully plan my lessons for every class, I still make flashcards and supplementary worksheets when needed, and I regularly clean and organize my classroom. I can always find ways to fill up that time with things that matter.
The biggest problem is that, being a small company, my coorindator spreads herself too thin, as she visits several schools every week, and always leaves things until the last minute.
It wasn't just this last registration period that she passed out schoolwide enrollment forms two days before our new 'semester' was set to begin; If I recall correctly, that's also what happened back in February/March, which is when we first noticed a decline in our numbers.
I'm pretty self-aware and can see where I need to improve, but my coordinator doesn't seem to see that in herself. So, she's pretty clueless as to why this is all happening. I've pointed certain things out as nicely as I can, and I think I've gotten through to her.
I know that she and other people higher than her in the company appreciate my hard work and value me as a teacher. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop her from pulling out 'scare tactics' every once in awhile.
For instance, after the last enrollment period, I came into work one day to find her in my classroom. She asked if I'd received more registration forms from the liaison teacher at our school, who's supposed to pass them on to me.
When I said no, she looked really worried then said, "the principal even came to the classroom this morning to ask me what's wrong with the program." My BS radar went off big time because I knew it wasn't true. She was just saying it to make me... I don't know... Scared? Nervous? Feel badly? Feel pressured?
I know he didn't come to talk with her. The principal at my school couldn't care less about our program. He never comes to see my classes. When I was first introduced to him (he started in March) I said I'd love for him to come by and visit any time. He never has. Like thebearofbundang, I also have open classes twice a year (they always go well, despite my nervousness beforehand), and he's never come for any of those either.
| nero wrote: |
I just have to think to myself 'what will be will be.'
What's the worst that can happen? |
What's the worst that can happen? I might have to find a new job! I might have to move, which I'd hate to do because I love my place and have furnished it extensively! I might have to... J/k. You're absolutely right; what will be will be. All I can do is continue teaching to the best of my ability and try to reason with my coordinator and help her do her job more effectively.
In all seriousness, I do hope things start looking up over the next few months. If not, I've already booked my trip home for Christmas (15 blissful days off!). I can enjoy that, and then start plotting my next step.
I'd love to stay right where I am for another year starting next March. Or at least be placed at another school with the same company. If not, who knows? The possibilities are endless. There's always that writing career I'm working towards. I've heard it's super easy to become a successful author. When you're not procrastinating on Dave's, that is.  |
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nero
Joined: 11 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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Ha!
I like you, FCQ. I think you sound like good people. I hope that this job works out, and if not, that you find a better one. Or publish your novel to worldwide acclaim. Either one.
Good luck! |
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Milwaukiedave
Joined: 02 Oct 2004
Location: Goseong
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| Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 3:05 am Post subject: |
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I just started an after school program on a PT basis because it allows me to work on my doctoral studies. I work 1-6:15pm 20 days a month (rotating between M/W/F one week and only M/W the next week).
I really dislike my Korean co-teacher as she is hard to communicate with and butts in too much on my classes. I prefer to be left alone. My wife said that she talked to the school and this teacher doesn't have experience working with a native speaking teacher. We have clashed a few times already and my wife asked me if she wanted me to talk to her and I said no.
The other day two of my students from my lowest level classes showed up for the second class instead of the first. One of them is a real pain in the a@@ and he won't pay attention or sit still. It's bad enough for him to disrupt the class he's in, but worse for him to disrupt another class. I told the Korean teacher straight up that won't happen again and if they miss their class they can go sit in the other room and do the pages as homework.
The school is brand new and very nice, but not close to where I am. The book is not bad, but given they spread it out over 3 months I have to try to stretch it out. I have time to play games and stuff, but try to keep it educational. |
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Flashcard_Queen
Joined: 17 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:03 am Post subject: |
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| nero wrote: |
Ha!
I like you, FCQ. I think you sound like good people. I hope that this job works out, and if not, that you find a better one. Or publish your novel to worldwide acclaim. Either one.
Good luck! |
Why thank you, nero!  Right back at ya! I'll keep you posted on my job situation. Depending on how things go, I might come looking for the name of your company. And feel free to do the same, if things don't work out on your end. Despite some craziness, it's a pretty good gig. |
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Flashcard_Queen
Joined: 17 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:25 am Post subject: |
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| Milwaukiedave wrote: |
| I really dislike my Korean co-teacher as she is hard to communicate with and butts in too much on my classes. I prefer to be left alone. |
That's too bad. I feel for you. Another reason why things might not be going so well at my school is that we had 3 Korean teachers come and go within the first year (not including my coordinator, when she took over classes for a few months) before getting rid of the Korean teacher altogether and having me work alone.
They were all nice enough, but the first 2 had some issues. One was extremely religious and spent most of her time gazing out the window and praying about losing 'the love of her life' (he hooked up with another girl at church before she had the chance to tell him how she felt). She lasted just over a month.
The next came to work every day dressed like she was heading out to the bars on a Saturday night. I'm talking mini skirts with thigh high stockings and garters. I'm pretty sure she was a big drinker, since she called in sick twice in the first month, after telling me the day before that she was meeting up with friends in Seoul after work.
The third was great, and I was sad to see her leave (she was getting married, which I mentioned in an eariler post).
On the upside, it made me look like the upstanding foreigner that I am.  On the downside, it made the program as a whole look pretty bad; my company actually came up with very interesting stories about the first two who left, often involving the death or illness of a loved one.
| Milwaukiedave wrote: |
| The other day two of my students from my lowest level classes showed up for the second class instead of the first. One of them is a real pain in the a@@ and he won't pay attention or sit still. |
I've had plenty of problems with bad behavior, especially from younger students. I had 12 1st graders start at the beginning of March. One was an absolute terror. He did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted, which included physically assaulting and stealing from me and other students.
Of course, a few other students saw what he could get away with and started misbehaving as well. Unfortunately, all their mothers were friends, and they pulled their children out at the same time (4 boys total).
Now we're down to 8 in the class; way more manageable for me, but the company was obviously disappointed by the loss, especially since they believe those mothers have been going around talking badly about the program in general.
I honestly wish we had CCTV set up in the room, and that it streamed online, so parents could get a look at how their little 'angels' behave when I'm teaching. |
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Seoulman69
Joined: 14 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:21 pm Post subject: |
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I worked at a couple of after-school programs for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I taught the same kids from Mon-Fri and it was great seeing all of them make progress and improve their English. I had a co-teacher in the class all the time but i was left to do the teaching and they dealt with the discipline. Most of our classes were maxed out and we had to refuse entry to a couple of kids. I think it was around 20 kids maximum to a class so we had around 90 students in total.
I worked from 1-5 and turned up around 12.45. I should have put more work into making lesson plans but to be honest I am quite good at pulling ideas out of fresh air so my classes always got good feedback. I don't do that anymore though because i'm working at a uni now.
I enjoyed the job but was always wary about how a male teaching young children is perceived. A man kidnapped and raped a student from a nearby school and after that a lot of parents preferred female teachers. I was disappointed but I understood their view. It's similar back home.
I was lucky and got a uni job, perhaps thanks to my teaching qualifications. Sometimes I miss my old students but I'm glad I made the move.
If you are working at an after-school program please treat the children well. They have so much potential that a good teacher can unlock. |
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Flashcard_Queen
Joined: 17 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:32 am Post subject: |
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| Seoulman69 wrote: |
| If you are working at an after-school program please treat the children well. They have so much potential that a good teacher can unlock. |
No worries there. I definitely treat my students well. I'm affectionate towards them (within reason, of course) and they're the same way with me. I get hugs every day, even from students who've quit; they see me in the hall and come running.
I'd say 80-85% of the students I currently teach have been with me since I started, and they've all improved; some more dramatically than others. In the beginning, I had older students who didn't even know letter sounds, but are now able to read and speak with near fluency.
Of course, since I don't have a Korean co-teacher/co-worker, I can't be lovey-dovey all the time because we wouldn't get anything done. Once I break into a funny story or tell a joke, it can be hard to get them back on track again; especially the younger ones.
| Seoulman69 wrote: |
| I was lucky and got a uni job, perhaps thanks to my teaching qualifications. Sometimes I miss my old students but I'm glad I made the move. |
I have two brothers who also live in Korea and work at universities. They've both urged me to make the switch. One works at Kyung Hee University (the Suwon Campus). He swears he can help me get a job there; of course, the last time he brought it up he was several beers deep, so I don't know whether to take it seriously or not. 
If you don't mind my asking, what are your credentials? Both of my brothers have B.A.s and M.A.s, but I only have a B.A. and a B.Ed. They don't seem to think that's a problem, but I'm not convinced. I'm also not sure I'd enjoy teaching at a university. I think my personality is better suited to younger students, since I am a tad goofy and enjoy being able to show that side from time to time. |
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Seoulman69
Joined: 14 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 3:27 am Post subject: |
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No worries there. I definitely treat my students well. I'm affectionate towards them (within reason, of course) and they're the same way with me. I get hugs every day, even from students who've quit; they see me in the hall and come running.
I'd say 80-85% of the students I currently teach have been with me since I started, and they've all improved; some more dramatically than others. In the beginning, I had older students who didn't even know letter sounds, but are now able to read and speak with near fluency.
Of course, since I don't have a Korean co-teacher/co-worker, I can't be lovey-dovey all the time because we wouldn't get anything done. Once I break into a funny story or tell a joke, it can be hard to get them back on track again; especially the younger ones. |
That's nice to hear. I know what you mean about getting the younger students back on track after having fun. I've met some teachers who try to be the students friends, which i always think is a mistake.
I was always proud of my attempts to increase the students intrinsic motivation. I once was asked by a mother what I did in my lesson? I was a bit worried and explained my methods. She said the reason she asked was that her daughter would go home and want to study English more than other subjects. I was very proud in that moment. My students weren't studying for candy by the time I'd finished with them. They were studying for the feeling of accomplishment they felt when they used English in a constructive way.
I have an MA and I have given presentations and had papers printed (you wouldn't know it by my grammar here). 
I'm also very enthusiastic about teaching English and how much it can help my students. |
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Flashcard_Queen
Joined: 17 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:04 am Post subject: |
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| Seoulman69 wrote: |
| I once was asked by a mother what I did in my lesson? I was a bit worried and explained my methods. She said the reason she asked was that her daughter would go home and want to study English more than other subjects. I was very proud in that moment. My students weren't studying for candy by the time I'd finished with them. They were studying for the feeling of accomplishment they felt when they used English in a constructive way. |
Sounds great. I'd love to hear more about your methods and the books you were teaching, if you have the time to explain, either here or by PM.
| Seoulman69 wrote: |
| I have an MA and I have given presentations and had papers printed. |
There you have it. I feel like my experience and credentials wouldn't be enough, but you never know.
If things don't start looking up after our next enrollment period (Nov/Dec), I might start looking for uni jobs anyway, just to see if I get any responses.
I know it's not impossible to get a uni job without an M.A., but it would certainly help. Of course, having a sibling who can vouch for you is also good. |
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Gorf
Joined: 25 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 8:53 am Post subject: |
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| edwardcatflap wrote: |
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| My Korean is better than most lazy waygooks |
| Quote: |
| I spend 5 minutes looking at the day's lesson plan |
Kind of ironic. It doesn't matter how much time you spend on your actual teaching job as long as you put those hours in learning Korean eh? That's the important thing. |
Actually, I spend that time not studying Korean, but browsing reddit or YouTube, and generally screwing around. I don't study Korean at all but I'm not a moron, so I am able to pick it up at a healthy clip. Occasionally I'll read the Korean grammar book my girlfriend bought me, mostly while in sitting on the toilet. Still, 5% Korean study effort beats out the 98% of waygooks who put in no effort at all beyond the alphabet. And I know to say "shin-chon", not "sin-chon" like most idiots here would say. Sorry, pet peeve of mine.
Oh, and if you're wondering, when we have open classes and parents can come in (as well as my bosses) and grade my classes, I get shining reviews and praise, and my students love me. So, uh, yeah. Some people are just objectively better at some things than others, so, uh, I dunno, deal with it? |
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject: |
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| Oh, and if you're wondering, when we have open classes and parents can come in (as well as my bosses) and grade my classes, I get shining reviews and praise, and my students love me. So, uh, yeah. Some people are just objectively better at some things than others, so, uh, I dunno, deal with it? |
Open classes aside, If you're spending 5 minutes on lesson planning for young learner classes you're going to be delivering poor quality lessons. If you can't accept this it's presumably because you've never been taught how to teach properly. |
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