Korean Job Discussion Forums

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

This week has been hell at my public school. The kids are the rowdiest and most uncontrollable I have ever seen. I think it is because they are spending the entire day in the computer lab, or watching movies. Then I come in and try to do a real lesson and it goes to hell very quickly. I have actually had to go get the kids 3 times as the teachers have forgotten it was English time. And all 3 times, I couldn't find the teacher anywhere, the kids were just watching movies. I guess this is normal for the February time between winter and spring break, but it sure does make life difficult when you try to do a real lesson Smile

mswiftansan · Joined: 01 Sep 2005

Your dedication to teaching is commendable. I am in the same boat, but luckily my co-teacher had the wisdom to choose movies over lessons. The only headache I've had is trying to get them to be quiet for 30 seconds while I announce that we will be watching Harry Potter (dubbed in Korean no less)
What I'm finding difficult is that I can't be asked to do anything. I've got essentially 8 hrs of free (sit at my desk and look busy) time everyday and all I do is surf the net. I could change the displays on the wall. I could plan for next years lessons. I could clean and organize....BUT I CAN'T GET OFF THE NET! I'm addicted. My motivation to do anything productive has gone out the window. Has anyone seen it?

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

Are you TEACHING?! Geezus and I was complaining that I have to waste my time doing nothing but surfing the net till 4:30 every day.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

ontheway · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:59 am Post subject:

Korean kids spend a lot of time in the classroom every year, yet they learn very little. This wasted class time between breaks is just one of many unfortunate examples. It's why I have to teach my kids real math, science and social studies in English. They are way behind their grade level when compared to American kids.

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

riley · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: where creditors can find me

All I'm doing between breaks is watching the celebrations and playing on the computer. Easy, but boring.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

We ended up with two weeks.

I did one week of bingo and another week of boggle tournaments. Which is between classes cancelled so they can watch movies and soccer games.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

This is the fourth time they have forgotten to bring the kids to my class this week (the bell just rung). Maybe I should just leave it, except today is prize day (for good behaviour). I can't beleive the kids aren't yelling to come actually.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Oh tell me about it. Even my good classes and good students are just in no mood to learn. I'm just showing them my Thai photos and then it's a song and hangman and that's it. I can't believe what a farce this week is.

Examfreaker · Joined: 12 Feb 2006

Hey, learn to love it, I say!

Think of it as your reward for all the crap you had to endure at the Hagwon!

As long as you do a good job during normal class periods, don't feel too guilty about one easy week.

I know I don't!!

mack the knife · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: standing right behind you...

Didn't you ever hear the saying "Never look a gift horse in the mouth"?

RELAX. Surf the net. Download some movies. Bring a game CD. This is "fun week" and trust me, everyone in your school down to the janitor knows it.

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

HAHAH suckers...

Im out of here. Today is done, there is no tomorrow, my only workplace obligation is a dinner on monday with the teachers at a swanky Apgujeong restaurant. Going back to school on March 2nd Smile