Korean Job Discussion Forums

[caomei513]

Hello there

I know I'm going to get a lot of criticism for this post, because I know many of you have teaching as a passion and are very dedicated. First off, I am in no way saying I'm not going to work my ass off becoming a good teacher. So hear me out, please:

I want to live in Korea... I love this country (it has its problems, yes, but all countries do) for various reasons. And unfortunately one of the only ways to go about staying and earning a living here as an adult is to become an English teacher. I personally am not thrilled about teaching, and to be honest I'm not good at it at all. I taught for one year at a hagwon in Seoul, and that's how I learned that I'm not exactly cut out for this job. I find it really difficult to explain vocabulary, to deliver information in a fun and engaging way, and most of all, to control a classroom and keep everyone focused. I just don't have the natural passion for it and tbh I don't know if I ever will.

I want to continue living in Korea, and that means I should teach (yes I have looked at other job options but there isn't much to choose from, and teaching is still the best choice). I'm not naturally a good teacher, but since I'm going to be doing it for the next few years at least, I want to become a better one.

Can any of you recommend any basic books or advice on teaching that helped you in the beginning? Something that would be applicable to teaching here in Korea. Stuff as simple as explaining vocab, managing a classroom, interacting with young children, becoming motivated to teach, etc. I've tried searching for some stuff but most at least assume you have a background in ESL education.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

[Professional TEFLer]

I feel your pain, amigo. Why not work on ships in the U.S. for three to four months at a time, save the cash and then go to SK for six months at a time? Do not teach if you hate it. Life is too short.

[Nolos]

work in a sweat shop. LOL at you wanting to stay in a 2nd rate country just to feel like you're someone special.

[ttompatz]

[andrewchon]

OP: from what you've posted, like not good at teaching and things like asking for books on teaching, I'm seeing someone who is book-smart but not street-smart. Normally I'd recommend you to find yourself a mentor, but finding one in Korea would be challenge. I say that because we live in isolation in Korea. Even in Seoul, finding another native speaker who you can get along with and teach you the ropes and have time to do it will be difficult. So, in this case, I'd say go against your instinct. Do not read a book about teaching. Try teaching by not teaching. What do I mean by that is: make time spent with you in class a fabulous experience. e.g. 'here, have a taste of this (food)', 'listen to this', 'have a look at this (video, photo, painting etc), 'what's new?', 'what's the score?' and so on. This, I think is called 'building rapport' with your students. If you have set curriculum to teach then slip in few teaching things here and there.

[transmogrifier]

Start with lesson planning, both in terms of a multi-lesson syllabus and individual classes. You need direction, and most importantly the students need to feel that you have a direction. There is nothing that inspires less confidence than a leader that does not appear to know what they are doing.

This is the best thing a teacher training course has to offer - how to approach lesson planning, mixing set routines with the flexibility to handle unforeseen circumstances. Once you are confident with that, everything else can follow in its wake - classroom management, resource creation, assessment types, etc. (The weakest part about teacher training is that it doesn't provide enough practical activity ideas and tends to ignore the reality of a classroom situation in favor of idealized learning theory)

So find a way to get that sorted. But really, if you don't have much interest in the teaching, my advice is to look to other things sooner rather than later, because teachers can become bitter enough when they care; I shudder to think what someone who never liked it in the first place would turn into.

[transmogrifier]

[I'm With You]

[hacheondo]

First, teaching takes years to get good at. I've on my 7th year and still not the best. Most teachers are not "naturals" -- it's a skill that is learned.

Second, YBM gives a crash-course in teaching -- they train you like a dog to teach their method exactly, and you'll leave that week of training both hating YBM but at least knowing what to do with every minute in the classroom. So, check that out.

Third, books are generally, if not always, not going to help much. Learning teaching is like learning how to work on a car -- you need someone to show you.

Finally, I respect your honesty. Getting better takes time. I still don't particularly enjoy teaching, but it's a job, and I just do my best for the sake of doing a good job.

[robbie_davies]

'Learning Teaching' by Jim Scrivener is an excellent book and what you are looking for.

[Winterkalte]

OP. I used to be like you too. Then I got some proper teacher training (CELTA). I didn't just stop after the training was finished. I am constantly researching different methodologies on how I can become a better teacher. Once you can become very good at something, it is easy to build a passion for it and start to love it. That's how it worked for me at least. There are still some days I get burn-out. But that comes with every job, and I realize the feeling is only temporary.

My advice if you are interested in staying in Korea, is to get a teaching certificate. Not an online one, but an actual in-class one that is at least 120 hours. Do this after you finish your current contract. You can do these very cheap in Thailand. This will give you a chance to recharge your batteries between contracts. After that, you can decide if you still want to teach in Korea.

Also, find a age group you like to teach. For me it's adults. Finally, if you can't afford or aren't willing to take a teacher training course, then I also recommend the book 'Learning Teaching' by Jim Scrivener. It comes with a DVD where you can watch different teaching techniques. Pretty much everything in that book is also covered in the CELTA course.

[young_clinton]

[mayorhaggar]

Maybe figure out what level of students that you enjoy teaching the most. I really like teaching elementary kids because they are really wired for learning and are enthusiastic if you manage them well, but I know a lot of teachers who hate that about them. I wouldn't want to teach middle or high school kids because they can get really moody and weird, but those other teachers like them more because the kids have more personality and can communicate way more in English (usually). Adults are challenging too.

Also personally I found Learning Teaching to not be very helpful.

[caomei513]

Thank you for the replies everyone! I'm going to check out the "Learning Teaching" book and also look into getting certification when my contract is up. If anyone has any more ideas, I would love to hear them. Thanks again!

[Jodami]