Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Horangi Munshin]

Wow.

I guess I'm lucky. I teach with my co-teacher in the mornings at my main school. He is great, we follow the books and use different actiivities to reinforce that lesson material. It's pretty simple stuff but the students haven't been learning English for very long.

In the afternoon everything is up to me. I just have to hand in my lesson plans at the end of the month (for 8 afternoon classes).

[TheUrbanMyth]

[bnrockin]

Is it possible for someone without TEFL or ESL certification to teach in public schools?

[rawiri]

[quote="bnrockin"]Is it possible for someone without TEFL or ESL certification to teach in public schools?[/quote]


Your looking at one.

I do a pretty good job too if i say so myself. I have co teachers but i told them that during english time just go relax in the staff room. I don't really like having them hovering around, i like to be the head negro in charge in my classes and so far (4 months in) so good!

[passport220]

[saybanana]

In regards to following the teacher's guide, my co-teachers and I usually do what is in that book. The only thing that changes are the games or activities. I usually find another game to do. (Acutally the idea cookbook in Dave's Cafe is a lifesaver). Tic-Tac-Toe AKA Bingo works alot for any English topic and most students love it. Also Hangman in learning vocab. I try to avoid the songs with older students because I know they wont sing it. Sometimes I am a bastard and call individual students to sing the songs alone in class just because they tick me off for not paying attention.

Since vacation its been rushed. But since we have a short semester this latter half of the year, we are doing 4 lesson periods into 3 lessons. Cramming everything doesnt seem to help.

I love the elementary school textbooks and CDs. It's not because the book is the best best (its not), but its hilarious. I crack meself up, everytime. Julie and Minsu and and the gang. Funny!!!!!!

I have a 20%success rate with 6th graders and 70% with 5th grade. 90% with 3rd and 4th.

I talked to my co-teachers if I have freedom to teach what I want, and they said yes if we follow the topics in the book. I tried that earlier in the year, but with my additional classes, teachers classes, and everything else, it was too much additional work making resources and such. Now I just cover the book and add special things here and there. 40 mins just isnt really enough time per week.

[Junior]

[Kimchieluver]

I have 100% autonomy. Sometimes the co-teachers will ask for something specific. I do 1/3 grammar points/games, 1/3 culture, 1/3 situational dialogue (roughly). I only use the text when a lesson plan has flopped and is not salvageable. I don't want to be the human tape recorder, that would just suck.

[kiwiliz]

I'm with you saybanana. I use the same book but find the games on the whole boring in the extreme.

I teach at 4 schools and follow the book to the letter at one - I have a make Korean co-teacher who teaches this way. We have fun though, his english is good and we joke with it alot.
At 2 others I follow the book loosely, often putting my own materials or games in, and at the fourth school I don't use it at all, but do something that supports the topic.

My problems with the book are the number of errors in it, and that the teachers books, esoecially in the lower grades, have the instructions for the games written in Korean!!

[bnrockin]

What are the roles of the co-teachers in public schools anyway? Do you share class time with them or what? (Never taught in a public school so I am kind of in the dark on this one).

[formerflautist]

Depends on the school. I have four different co-teachers. But they're only there for translation purposes. I actually prefer they not be there and I've made it clear that they should not step in unless I request their assistance. I'm in charge in my classes and they're only there for window dressing.

[LateBloomer]

Is anyone willing to share any ideas regarding games that have worked for them? I am in my first week of trying to make sense of the grade six teacher's guide and I'm really confused by some of it. I've often thought that an "idea/ lesson exchange" section on Dave's might be a good idea...something apart from and more specific than the cookbook.

[wormholes101]

[LateBloomer]

Thanks very much Wormholes 101--some good information.

If you would like to discuss how we might set up some sort of sharing group--pm me. I've given it some more thought.