Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Doogie]

Any ideas about how I can get them to open up a bit? Any possible websites that I can use for everyday English (conversational)? Heck, I'll take any ideas that will get them to open up a bit and get over themselves.

[midian3x]

http://bogglesworldesl.com/lessons/Nov2001.htm

click around and see if anything grabs your eye

[spliff]

Does your classroom have a TV. I had the same problem as you and I found that bringing some beer and soju to class along w/ snacks (K-folk won't drink w/out them), helped loosen up things . Also, have some good USA porn Cd's ready for when they're warmed up (K-folk are really interested in US culture and porn in general)! After, you can introduce the game for spin the bottle! Remember, they have to make a present continuous sentence for every article of clothing they remove...

[Doogie]

[Hotpants]

Actually, Spliff may have a point. Can you take them outside to socialize around a pizza and a Cass or something? (Must be somewhere that THEY recommend, as in my experience, they invariably dislike any venue that I choose!) Then, when the ice is (perhaps) broken, then you can apply traditional teaching methodology.

Also, something that took me some time to realize...many Korean adults like to PLAY at being shy. I don't take 'shy' for an answer anymore!

[spliff]

Right.....Shy = innocent = cute = good.....

[Julius]

[oldfatfarang]

You HAVE to eat food with them. It's that simple. Korean adults are seemingly unable to interact with anyone - especially Westerners - without eating something with them.
Once you've chowed down - they will loosen up. I bring hot and spicy Thai squid snacks to my first adult/teachers classes. They love it.

Also, try the 'perfect gentlemen' approach. Open the door for them, shake everyone's hand at the end of the lesson. That really shakes them up for starters, (especially the women) but they will warm to you quicker with some body contact.

[Doogie]

[ajuma]

If they're young-ish, you might want to try some songs. Even if they won't talk, they MIGHT sing...and that might break the ice.

http://www.musicalenglishlessons.org/music-index.htm has some good songs with activities.

I do agree thought that getting them OUT of the classroom and having some beer/soju and anju is the best way!! Tell them "After 3 beers, EVERYONE can speak English!!"

[sock]

I REALLY don't like teaching adults because they just sit there and don't say much. One thing that's worked well for me in the past is telling a few childhood stories. I was quite mischevious as a kid and I have a lot of material to work with. After I tell a few funny/embarrassing/etc. stories, usually everyone will be able to think of a few childhood adventures as well. Otherwise I ask them to tell me of a memorable birthday/holiday/etc. from their childhood. It's a lot of fun and is a good icebreaker for the group.

Another thing that's worked for me is to make a list of what's most important to them, what they spend the most time and emotion and energy on. Usually get a list that looks something like this: family, education, love, kids, money, friendship, hobbies, etc. Then each class we'll pick one topic from the list and everyone must discuss. If you structure it right, they'll essentially come up with the topics they're most interested in AND they'll take a lot of the hard work out of class preparation.

If they're being really obstinate, talk about what their goal is for the class (ie, why the hell are they there if they're not talking) and make sure they understand that they're not going to accomplish anything by keeping their mouths shut.

[ilovebdt]

[rothkowitz]

Get them drunk.

It's a standard workshop feature.

[JeJuJitsu]

Put them on the spot, make them speak English in front of their co-teachers alot. They will stop coming after a few lessons. You just freed up an hour of your time.

[Doogie]