Korean Job Discussion Forums

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

I need a vacation.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

Until vacation time...

Give them something constructive to do in English before/after class. Start a routine where they pick up a puzzle when they come in the room...or start writing in their journals...or search for something in the posters/advertisements you have posted on the walls. If you don't want them to speak in Korean, give them something else to do! (Or lock them out...although this complicates the logistics of taking a pee break!)

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

When my students speak Korean to each other, I write on the board what they said, translate it to English, then make them repeat it 5 times. Then I give them a little quiz. "What do you say if you need a pencil??"

It's worked pretty well for me, all the way down to my 3rd grade class.

For the older students, who murmur things that escape my comprehension, I just remind them that we should speak only English because it's their only chance to improve their English, and their Korean is already so good that it doesn't need any practice.

Seems to work. Maybe I'm lucky.

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

That sounds great for you (denial). Why do they listen to you so (bullsh1t)?

poet13 · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:20 pm Post subject:

I speak very little Korean, so when my students start in on it, I switch to Greek, Spanish, or Tagalog. I throw in the english word "test", and they get freaked. "Teachu, why?" "Well, I dont understand you, so why should you understand me?" "Enlgish please."

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

inspector gadget · Joined: 11 Apr 2003 Location: jeollanam-do in the boonies

jacl,

I understand that you want to create an "english only" environment however it is a natural instinct for them to speak some Korean.

I think for you to expect otherwise may be unrealistic, more so if you have large classes and/or younger students.

What does a student do if they don't understand the lesson or subject?

Not all the students can say "teacher I don't understand".

Would you rather they sit there confused and not learn a thing or speak up to a fellow student or teacher in there language so that they have a chance to learn.

Good luck with it, maybe your expectation of absolutly "no Korean" is unreasonable, just a thought for you to ponder.

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

When I was teaching, I just let the kids talk in korean while they get set up. They haven't seen eachother in a while. They want to discuss things in a broader sense than they can in english.

I'd go in a couple minutes early... and I'd give them roughly the first 2 minutes of class where they could yammer away, pull out pencils, argue, find their seats etc.

Then I would call out loudly "OK... English time in 20 seconds... No speaking Korean after that! <10 second warning> <3, 2, 1> OK English time. No more Korean.!"

Then when I say "Class is over, you may go" then they can talk in Korean if they want again.

I tried to get them not to speak in korean 100% of the time. It wasn't worth it arguing with them. I doubt you're going to be able to keep them from speaking 100% of the time, when they need to ask someone else something and don't know how to do it in English. Sometimes they just forget. It's easy to slip.

That suggestion of switching languages is actually a really good idea... I did it to my middle school kids. Except sometimes I'd just say "Blah blah blah blah..." And look like I was trying to tell them something. They'd start giggling.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

No, I believe trying to annoy people is your area of expertise.

refikaM · Joined: 06 May 2006 Location: Gangwondo

It seems to me, mr/ms jacl that there is absolutely NO ONE that can help you. After reading all the responses to your rantings, a good teacher would have appreciated all the kind folks out there who were willing to help you. An good experienced teacher would welcome any kind of input. I have been an ESL teacher for 16 years and have improved my methods and approach to teaching greatly by listening to others and taking their advice. You have shot down everything sent your way. You obviously just don't quite get it. You're obviously aren't a professional teacher, either. So, my advice to you is to go home and work at Kmart. Methinks you thrive on challenging the world... which is your enemy.

OK bring on the caustic remarks and profanity... You are good at that if nothing else....

Mastaoos69 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003