Korean Job Discussion Forums

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

I have been teaching the majority of my present students for 16 months and know them pretty well - in the same way that they know me. You can build good relationships with children in this time, of all ages and this I think I have done.

I would never say that I am a 'wonderful and totally effective' teacher. I know I'm not. But. I do have a good rapport with my kids and generally have a really fun and lively environment in my class. I know I am not as good as other teachers as far as the actual study of language is concerned. I have seen that from comparison of my students and others. But. When they are beginners it is not the easiest assessment to make. I think I get things across at the speed at which the majority of my students are comfortable with. This I can get a guage of from the near 100% attendance I have had from them in 16 months.

I am, however, a 'physical' teacher and will play fight, chase and play to a situation. Havin said this, I have never hurt a student nor have I have caused a student to cry through this. Everything is always done in context and is toned to the level of the class and how well I know them. My kids hit me, not maliciously, in the same way that I will push or 'hit' them (taken in the softest sense of the word).

I have nothing to hide from anyone about my techniques and style with the kids. I will happily invite anyone in to my class to observe. I would happily have cameras in my class. I am loving with my kindergarten kids. I have posted about that before. I am more physical with my older kids, in context of the mood of the individual or class mood.

As I say. I don't think I am an amazing teacher. I know I'm not. But. I do have a good environment in my class. Mothers can misconstrue this, as can schools. Should I change my style or is this acceptable?

What would you do?

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 4:51 am Post subject:

Yes, I do that, too. Or did, I should say. My current batch of students are a little too old for me to really get away with that. But it's definitely something you should be careful with when you do it.

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

quite often.

Never with malice

mog · Joined: 06 May 2004

Only kids with hats.

I seem to enjoy smacking the brim. Maybe it just so happens that the kids that where them are the ones that you'd WANT to smack the brim.

Crois · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:10 am Post subject:

Oh you scum of the earth. You hit teachers. You arent fit to be a teacher. Go home. You bring us foreign teachers a bad name. I'd never hit any students.

Sound familiar?

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Sure, play fight with them a bit and have a good laugh.

Adds to a good atmosphere in a classroom.

Crois · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:24 am Post subject:

cacheSurfer · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

Sure.
Why not?

A little "love tap" will get them to listen.

I have this toy hammer and i smack kids on the head with it. it's really soft and they all start laughing, but it works really good.

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

Nah, I only hit them when I'm angry...

cacheSurfer · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

Yeah, that's a problem for me when I stagger home at 11pm (school nights gotta end early and all) and the kids are just leaving school...

I seriously wish I was joking about that.

cacheSurfer · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

I do the "Power Flick" on the boys. Index finger sprung from the thumb on the forehead.

Or, I'll do the "Chinese Burn" ( I believe you Americans call it the Indian Burn). Rub the forearm with moderate force to produce a slight burning sensation.

I never touch the girls. They don't respond to the horseplay at all!!!

The boys know me well. It's not in anger. Laughs all round. No problem.

steelhead · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 2:15 pm Post subject: same... all in fun

ive done the flick, maybe a tap with my attendance folder as I stand over them and they give me some excuse why they arent doin the work...friendly reminder thats all.