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greatunknown
Joined: 04 Feb 2010
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 Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:22 am Post subject: Advice ablut inexperienced co-teacher and unruly students |
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So, I have been teaching in Korea for more than 4 years. 3 years was at a hagwon where the students were usually well behaved, and 90% of my classes were a pleasure to teach. Before that, a year at a typical hagwon with typical hagwon problems. Anyways my point here is that I have experience.
So I start teaching at an afterschool program at 2 different schools in Incheon last month. At one of the schools the kids are a bit more.... rough than I am used to. I walk into one classes and there are kids standing on desks, throwing books, running around.. its all out chaos. This is after their hour with the Korean teacher (who is 24, just graduated and its her first time teaching). Oh.. and they all have %@#@ candies that she gives them after every class.
My co-teacher does not seem to take her job seriously. She has ignored my advice. Comes to the school late, leaves early.
Its an afterschool gig. The pay and hours are great. Should I just accept that Im going into a warzone for an hour or 2? None of these problems exist at my other school which is nearby (the teacher there is much more experienced and professional)
Edit: typed on my phone on the subway. Excuse my typos |
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andrewchon
Joined: 16 Nov 2008
Location: Back in Oz. Living in ISIS Aust.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:57 pm Post subject: |
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1. You could roll with the tide and let them be, but
you'll be stuck with a bad rep when your contract is over, so
2. since you have experience, I'd suggest you cry. Don't get angry with them.
Cry enough so that them kids will feel sorry you. |
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lowpo
Joined: 01 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 3:38 pm Post subject: |
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| You could take charge of the class. |
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greatunknown
Joined: 04 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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| andrewchon wrote: |
1. You could roll with the tide and let them be, but
you'll be stuck with a bad rep when your contract is over, so
2. since you have experience, I'd suggest you cry. Don't get angry with them.
Cry enough so that them kids will feel sorry you. |
Wait.... what? How would I have a bad rep? Cry? That might actually work.
Im just shocked to see the behavioral difference between my past teaching gigs and even between the 2 elementary schools I currently teach at. Anyways, no big deal.
Thanks |
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andrewchon
Joined: 16 Nov 2008
Location: Back in Oz. Living in ISIS Aust.
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| Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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| You'll have a bad rep because the Korean teacher will dump all her failing on you after you're gone. Guarantee it. |
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kingplaya4
Joined: 14 May 2006
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| Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 7:34 am Post subject: |
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| Don't begin class until everyone is seated and quiet. If that means class will never start, try some positive reinforcement-stickerbook, candies if necessary, or whatever works for you. Don't be afraid to use a little Korean just to get things going. |
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greatunknown
Joined: 04 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 5:41 am Post subject: |
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| kingplaya4 wrote: |
| Don't begin class until everyone is seated and quiet. If that means class will never start, try some positive reinforcement-stickerbook, candies if necessary, or whatever works for you. Don't be afraid to use a little Korean just to get things going. |
This seems to be the best way to handle the class.. now... how can I handle the co-teacher to improve the situation? |
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kabrams
Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Location: your Dad's house
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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| greatunknown wrote: |
| kingplaya4 wrote: |
| Don't begin class until everyone is seated and quiet. If that means class will never start, try some positive reinforcement-stickerbook, candies if necessary, or whatever works for you. Don't be afraid to use a little Korean just to get things going. |
This seems to be the best way to handle the class.. now... how can I handle the co-teacher to improve the situation? |
Have you ever framed it as "Hey, I just read this article that said X. Do you mind if we try it for the next class?"
That way, it's less about what you personally think, and more about the method to be used within the classroom.
Have you ever tried simply going over to your students and just standing by them, materials in hand? What about holding out pieces of paper with questions/comments/interesting facts for them to read to focus their energy?
I would also sit down with your coteacher and go over strategies for the class and what the expectations are before you arrive. For example: You could give your coteacher a card with a list of directions students have to follow when they first enter the classroom. This could direct their energy toward something constructive and educational.
You can even give a time limit: "Before X-teacher comes, you have to accomplish these 3 tasks."
Hope this helps. |
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Bongotruck
Joined: 19 Mar 2015
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| Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:53 pm Post subject: |
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If you work at it, you an become the teacher to be feared. Feared and respected if you do it right.
They will still be unruly for your coteacher, who sounds like she is unfit to be a teacher. The second you walk in the door, they will pretend to be angels. |
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ThingsComeAround
Joined: 07 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:04 pm Post subject: |
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| andrewchon wrote: |
| You'll have a bad rep because the Korean teacher will dump all her failing on you after you're gone. Guarantee it. |
The Korean teacher does that anyway  |
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