Korean Job Discussion Forums

[purple_buddha]

Hi all,

I'm in need of some advice in teaching low level English speakers at a uni. A significant number of my students are working and cannot attend lectures or take a major exam. Obviously, I have to award them a grade at the end of the term. (Joking aside, F is not an option at my school unless the working student chooses to ignore you and do absolutely NOTHING about his/her grade. My Korean bosses consider employment more important than academics.)

What would be a fair way to evaluate them in lieu of a midterm and/or final exam (e.g., easy essays, written homework assignments, short speaking evaluation, etc.)? Please bear in mind their level is really basic, like Side by Side 1 or 2 caliber.

Any suggestions/advice would be fantastic! Thanks.

[RobinH]

You will find that the majority of students who work will use that as an excuse to do nothing or next to nothing. Clairify the F policy with the admin. Then keep careful records of who does or doesn't do what is expected of them.

As far as stuff for them to do:

1-minute speech, number of times to be determined by you. Set it up so that the first 5-10 minutes of class are given for student presentations. I let the shy ones stand by their chair, but give an extra point or double points for speaking in the front of the room. It can be extemporaneous, or they can practice at home for a better grade. If it's obvious crap, no credit.

Daily evaluation. Give each student a daily grade based on their performance in class. Be very clear on what you expect. Grading groups is good too as it introduces competition among the groups. At the end of each class write that day's grades for the groups on the board.

Don't grade writing if it's a speaking class. Only grade speaking-based activities. Daily or weekly journals (unmarked by you) could be done for xtra credit. But, you'll find that the only ones who do it are the ones who don't need the xtra credit.

Most students, even adults, will copy homework assignments from each other or directly from the internet--don't bother unless they have to do something individual, such as bringing family photos to talk about with their group members.

Bottom line--multiple measures, multiple means. Multiple grades on many different types of activities give each student the most opportunity to do well.

[purple_buddha]

Thanks, Robin.

[Hotpants]

Here's this site from an ex-uni teacher in China. He's put a lot of lesson plans and tests on the site. Perhaps you can get some ideas from it?

http://www.xiangtan.co.uk/newlessons.htm