Korean Job Discussion Forums

[marista99]

A lot of my upper elem/jr high boys will go on and on if you ask them about computer games, and esecially the game "maple story"--ask what character they play and stuff.

[jajdude]

That is certainly true about the computer games. I had a guy who had just finished high school, who said little for a few weeks. But when I asked him to describe and explain how to play his favorite game, it was good for a lot of talking.

[rapier]

Some good ideas there, thanks.

Challenging their rigid belief systems with an alternative, never before heard viewpoint is what does the trick. Its new to them. And they feel suddenly compelled to defend their point of view. Works like a charm. Attack something that is precious to them, they'll be conferring over what is the most gramatically correct response.
So long as its not an out of control rant, its ok. Just be calm about it, and put your point. If you want to insult them, make sure you have a wry smile, so they know its a joke.
But even if you're more serious, it doesn't matter, because they're not going to tell the parents anyway. Why would they spoil a fun lesson where they know they can do what they like?

[Ilsanman]

I agree you an get a rise out of the kids by putting down Korea, but I don't agree with doing it. It causes may problems.

1. hostile classroom environment. They think u hate them, and they certainly hate u.

2. poor attitude of foreigners is developed or reinforced.

3. feeling under attack in the classroom.

I think you can see my point.

[mindmetoo]

[rapier]

[rapier]

[Apple Scruff]

I have realized that any perceived solution to an ongoing problem in the classroom is usually only a temporary one. The kids eventually come to their senses and remember that they can act like pricks and get away with it. Bashing Korea (while loads of fun) would eventually stop working as a teaching tactic. Sometimes I wonder about the intellectual capacity of Koreans, but if you could consistently keep the kids' attention by ripping apart their country on a daily basis, there would be no more wondering on my behalf.

[Arthur Fonzerelli]

[bundaegi]

If you want a class of sullen, stone-face middle-schoolers to come alive, insist that Japan taught them everything they now know. It's a bit more of a risk than insulting Korea, but if you craft your barb artfully you can hopefully get them off of Japan and onto more mundane topics, it sure does inject some passion.. whew..

[CanadaCommando]

I think that making them defend their country is def. a way to stimulate talking in class, but I would be a lil less aggressive in my approach.

Teaching a class on "perspective and opinion" right now, and my discussion question is "In my opinion, Canada is a better country than Korea. Do you want to try to change my opinion?"

A lot more passive in tone, and yet still puts them on the spot. Also, avoids any difficulty in looking like just another foreigner dumpimg on Korea.

[rapier]

[Len8]

Rapier, what other Korean nationalistic points of pride did you tear to bits?

[rawiri]

Paul Hamm....dont forget him!....we were discussing what to do in an emergency situation yesterday (like the 911 call) and the text ran out of examples....so i wrote one on the board.... somebody stole my olympic gold medal ......the kids went nuts at me...."he's so arrogant"...
"he should die!"..."you always make jokes about korea"...and i ahve been recently (just during the olympics...but they started it by giving me grief about nz's lack of medals)...i'll lay off them now though as they are a pretty good group of kids and i don't want any friction with them....well maybe just a little!.

[some waygug-in]