Korean Job Discussion Forums

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

I sort of looked at your post as someone kicking someone when they were down...if I mistook you intent I apologize.

David76 · Joined: 15 Jun 2003 Location: U.S.

You can't force people to learn, and most worthwhile learning happens when people want to learn and they figure things out for themselves. Maybe you could try thinking of yourself as a guide for your students, especially the motivated ones. Just try to relax (easier said than done) and follow your school's proceedures.

I have had a good experience in South Korea so far, but I still try to remind myself that I have an interesting life and the opportunity to live in another culture. Also, am making more money here than I could at home. If you have something great to go back to, then maybe you should think about asking your school for a letter of release. If not, would you really want to go home and work as a cashier or clerk or something similar? Now that sort of thing is dull and repetitive!

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Also note, a letter of release is not necessary if you want to leave the country, and not return before the year (contract period) is up.

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

yep good point, my job isnt really THAT repetitive. Im quite lucky I have many ways to be creative. I shouldnt complain and just have a bit more fun! Now that I am looking a little harder, I guess my kids ARE improving a bit.

I like the bit about preventing burnout. Yeah, I didnt do much this past weekend so its made this week drag on a lot. Im joining the gym next week so definatly going to burn off some of this steam. Good suggestions! thanx!

bosintang · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 8:09 am Post subject:

W.T.Carl · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

You signed a contract. It might blow to work there, but you did agree to put the time in. Unless the pirate you work for REALLY violates the agreement, suck it up, get drunk and do your job. The time will pass, albeit slowly.

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Just another thought:

Bear in mind how long it takes most Koreans to learn English. They never use it outside the classroom and it is very foreign and different for them. Plus, kids, although capable of learning a foreign language, really just want to screw around have fun mostly. (Some exceptions)

So a year in the EFL hagwon may or may not improve their English a lot.

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

Which reminds me of another lesson Ive learned. I cant make a difference in every childs life, but as long as Ive made a positive difference to one child in some way, well thats good too!

Thanx for reminding me Smile

Im remembering that Im not only here to teach these children English but also represent my country and teach them a bit about my culture in order for them to understand the world a bit better. At least, thats how I look at my role.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

kermo · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 11:22 pm Post subject:

Butter808fly, you are definitely a humble and gracious person, and I applaud you for taking it on the jaw, and saying "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

I think you will do alright, as you are willing to ask for help, do some research, get support from others.

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your students is to set definite goals, and focus on gradual, measurable progress. A holistic approach just doesn't work with something as infrequent as tutoring. I learned to take data meticulously when I was working in behaviour therapy, and it paid off really well for my students.

Here's an example of a procedure I developed for a student with a speech impediment. She couldn't say the letter "s", despite the fact that her English name was Jessica.
Step 1) Just work on producing the sound. Explain and demonstrate as many different ways as possible. When she can imitate the sound 9/10 times, move to step 2.
Step 2) Practise a word-list with "s" sounds. Same list every session. When she gets 9/10, move to step 3.
Step 3) Successfully read these words in a paragraph. 90% success rate means move ahead again.
Step 4) Read a paragraph with 10 "s" words she hasn't practised.

I charted her progress, and her success rate, which kept her really motivated. She got stickers for each step. After completing a certain number of steps, in speaking, reading, listening and writing, she earned a treat, like a movie, or making cookies together, etc.

If you want to work on "answering simple questions", make a list of questions you want them to be able to answer. Give them the list, and practise them as a group. Get them to practise in pairs. Test them individually every time you see them, and document their progress.

It's more work, but the payoff is much more satisfactory for all parties. Maybe you'll find that their behaviour improves if they see a reason to pay attention; i.e., their learning is being recorded, they will be able to show off their successes, and possibly earn a reward.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

About feeling drained. Don't you find the energy returns an hour after work? But you're right if they sense you're sick or tired then prepare for boarding. As soon as I get thinking about something else the energy returns. An hour after work, usually.
And about being tired of repeating, I've complained about that. Someone on the boards said that it's new to them. And that a secret to teaching is to feign enthusiasm. How are you at faking an orgasm over introducing a brand, spanking new word into their vocabulary. Haha, I'm getting pretty good at it.
Good idea Grotto. To bring in a ship model, then write stores about the crew's adventures.
A poster once said that, and maybe it's at the hump of the fourth month, one finds out it's a full time job. Same place, same kids, same echoing room. Once worked at a haggie that had a punch clock, like in a factory, can you believe it? Mind you steel toed boots and a hardhat would be good for kindy, along with a cup.

Daechidong Waygookin · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 5:39 am Post subject:

You have to SEEM enthusaiastic at the very least. Learn to turn it on and off. I can be exhausted but the second I walk into that class, Im more enthusiastic than Richard Simm0ons at a gay gangbang. You have to or the class will just suck. The kids dont wanna be there. You have to make them want to spend 40 minutes learning.

I also once worked at a haggie with a punch clock. Maybe we worked together? Smile

shifty · Joined: 21 Jun 2004

Yo Carl

We signed contracts, yes, but sure don't need any urging from the likes of you to be respectful of them.

It's like you are suggesting we have something to uphold, that they may do it to us, but we're above that.

Actually, we are.

Daechidong Waygookin · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:18 am Post subject:

marista99 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Location: Incheon

I'm so glad someone mentioned "culture fatigue"--that's definitely what I"m feeling around now. A lot of the time all I want is to be in an American city, ANY American city...actually anywhere they speak English would do. I actually have dreams about being in a supermarket with all my favorite American foods. It's ridiculous!

We've been here almost exactly the same amount of time (I started teaching August 1) and I really feel what you're talking about. It's not new anymore, it's reaching the point where each day seems like "same old, same old"...but really every day at our jobs is a lot less repetitive than most people's jobs are. It's just the novelty wearing off and the realities of day to day life setting in.

Here's to thinking of ways to make teaching more interesting, and to hoping the culture fatigue blues pass quickly! Smile

And if not, well, only 7.5 more months to go...