Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Panic Button]

Right, I work in a hagwon teaching kindergerten and elementary kids, and in a couple of weeks the hagwon has this "event" (for want of a better term) called "Open Class"

What this consists of is all the parents of all the kids in each class coming into the class and watching me teach their kids.

I've only been working there six weeks, and this is my first teaching job, so its a bit of a daunting prospect.

I've been informed many times by the director how this is very important as it could result in her losing students (and money), and I feel a bit like a lot is resting on my shoulders.

I'm not sure if this is common practice in hagwons or not. Has anyone done this before, and if so, how did it go and what was the result of it all?

Any respones/ advice/ scare stories would be very welcome.

[JacktheCat]

Dog and pony show.

Dress very nice (conservative) and prep the class and kiddies before hand. Prepare some kind of flashy lesson with lots of visual aids and singing. Make the kids look like little English geniuses for their parents (even if for the most part they aren't).

But most of all relax.

[just because]

You know what will motivate you the most...extra money!!

Call me greedy but if the wonjang wants you to put on a show nothing like a bit of man won to get a great show cracking, especially if the wonjang makes a lot of money out of it

[Jeonnam Jinx]

I've done lots of "open classes." Best advice: Take it seriously, do your best, don't stress out...and don't take it personally if it does not go as well as you would like. The students often get very quiet when their family members are watching, and you should take that into account.

Definitely, if you don't already, prepare lots of colorful cards, big pictures, songs, etc. and show how hard you work and how much you've prepared.

Most of all, be kind and gentle with the kids and make sure they're happy and smiling.

Good luck!

[Wrench]

[kprrok]

I've done a few of them and they're really no big deal. Just make sure you prep a good lesson on some topic that the kids will enjoy. Depending on the ages, parts of the body, the rainbow, etc. are good topics. PM me if you want some help.

But yeah, the kids will be either really quiet b/c they are shy with their parents watching, or they will be crazy. and if they're young, they'll cry b/c seeing mommy and daddy will get to them.

Just relax, and take it easy.

KPRROK

[Jeonnam Jinx]

[quote="Wrench"]

[Panic Button]

Thanks very much for the advice, I reckon it should be fine.

I'll let you know how it goes.