Korean Job Discussion Forums

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I'm hoping someone else has been stuck with this and has some suggestions.

Background: My little high school is bottom of the barrel. The boys in this community that have a) any money at all, b) any ambition or plan in life or c) any academic skills above 'C-' go to one of the 'better' high schools in the district. Some (30%?) do go on to college, but none of the schools have much of a reputation. The rest of them know they will farm or work in a factory. Consequently, the English level is pretty low. The motivation level is even lower.

SO, last March at the start of the new semester, my vice principal stirred himself from his daily nap at his desk enough to come up with a new program. Why not put the lowest 12 boys in Grade 2 (the class that everyone hates) in 7th and 8th hour English, so they won't cause any problems in Social Studies, Korean, Science or Math class.

When it was proposed, I went down the class list and said I can teach 장희, 상규, 병무 and 상학 and maybe 창환. They seem like nice enough kids and at least try some in class. The rest are losers who hate school and hate English. (A couple of them are low IQ. Another two have mental problems.) These 8 can't count past 12 and don't even know the alphabet, so they can't even begin to read, and have absolutely no desire to do so. The response: do your best.

Well, as expected, 8 of the 12 very quickly stopped coming to class. Naturally, the administration is unhappy. I did not perform any miracles with the 8 that stopped coming. I wouldn't say I worked any miracles with the 4 or 5 who did come, but there has been progress...especially with 병무, the dwarf/midget (I have never been sure what the right description is for Little People.)

My question: Has anyone else been in this situation and if so, do you have any ideas on what I can do with these guys? I'm pretty much burned out at this point.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Ya-ta,

I don't know, but they've put you in a bad situation. I'd take the things have have worked and try to improve on them. It's not much of a suggestion, but honestly I don't know what I'd do if I were in your shoes.

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

How about writing a letter to their parents saying how you are looking forward to teach their child in the new class? Don't mention that they've been skipping class. Have one of your co-workers translate it for you. The parents might get a kick out of having a teacher care that much about their kid. It probably won't work for all the kids, but you might have gain the trust of a few of them.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

marcus · Joined: 12 Sep 2005

I taught special-ed once to two girls, one with down syndrome and the other with asperger's. We just tried to have fun. It helped that the classroom was well equipped with a ping-pong table. One girl wanted to learn English and the other girl couldn't figure out the alphabet so they were in completely different places but I could get them both to use some English if we were making something or playing a game.

Four boys might like to learn how to swear. Watching movies and games that involve competition could work. You could also see if any are good at art.

The school really has you babysitting in English.

elynnor · Joined: 08 Feb 2006