Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Squire]

My coteacher is great at controlling the kids and there is never a problem... until the camera is on her. She will then just stand there with this retarded fixed grin while the kids do all sorts and I'm left fuming because it's like she's deliberately screwing up the open class. I can't understand it at all

I never yell at my elementary school kids because all my classes are co taught (my middle school kids get it though) but next time if this happens again they are getting shouted at- camera or no camera, and it'll all be my co-t's fault

[working title]

Open Classes for RE-CONTRACTING are a SHAM.

Open classes are evaluated by a P, VP or KETs from another school within your district. Your school/KET will contact these "evaluators" before your open class. They will discuss with the "evaluators" whether or not they want to keep you on for the next year. Based on how your current school feels about you, your score is already predetermined. The evaluators will give you this predetermined score on the day of your open class.

Note: I'm not saying that they will all agree on an exact score, but rather a score to be given according to some guidelines. They will fail you (getting less than a 70%) if your school does not want to keep you. They will give you an 80% if your school wants you to do better (indirect way of giving you criticism as your school is not directly criticizing you) and if you do well (in the 90's), then you're flying high and have no worries.

This system is not set up for us to be in a position of power. This system serves them.

I've obtained this information from a very reliable source.

Let's not forget . . .

CONFUCIUS's RULE:

If your school likes you then you are "in." The most important aspect of working in a Korean public school is being able to work harmoniously with your co-workers/the group. This goes above and beyond your teaching ability. Focus more on your work relationships than on your teaching.

P.S.
If someone isn't renewed at their school, then they might have screwed up somewhere big time. This is a time for self-reflection, rather than a time to play the blame game. If everyone follows CONFUCIUS's RULE, then everyone should be able to renew / re-contract.

[Airborne9]

I was told with limited funds with GEPIK the "open class" is another way of deciding who they are going to give funds to. I dont know if this is actually true or not.

But as I said in another tread here, The open classes are for the most part pointless. Even if you plan it like any normal class you'll probably get criticised for not playing enough games not preparing fantastic Michael Bay style slides. Also in terms of GEPIK I think its becoming a show off ground for KETs who are trying to impress anyone who is there from the local education office.

[brickabrack]

[english puppet]

Well, I had my open class. It wasn't technically for re-contracting as far as I know.

I don't know what actual "score" I received but the vice principle said "nice job". Following that I was criticized for small fonts and and a couple of other point that were so impossible to decode from the bad English it's anyone's guess.

My favorite line from the whole follow up meeting was "you know, education is not fun". Certainly wouldn't confuse fun with teaching in Korea....just couldn't.

I'd never re-sign in Korea after two years of bizarreness. It's hard to take the system here seriously at this point.

I recently went to a "demo" class in our district. It was funny as there were a number of foreigners there. Not one of them would touch an evaluation sheet.......the Korean teachers were all smiles and giggles at every pre-programmed moment. The perfect education hologram.

[english puppet]

[quote="brickabrack"]

[jvalmer]

[english puppet]

[Malislamusrex]

The open class I did for my school was with the 3rd grade students after they finished their tests, 50% of them didn't even have pens, non of them were interested whatsoever.... neither was I to tell the truth, it was sprung on me in the morning and done by the afternoon I went through the motions and got 100% because they liked me.

The only reason I had to do it was administration purposes.

You will know much before your open class if you will fail it or not.

[english puppet]

[OneWayTraffic]

[ProsePech]

2003-2005 Also worked for Nova. Had great staff and was taught what to do for each part of a lesson and had feedback every few months. Was given an AT position at the end of one year after moving to Kobe and had my own school basically in Itayado for 6 months when I had to then give feedback to teachers there.

2005-06 Korea. Hagwan. No feedback. No open class. I had to push for extra training for new teachers who felt like they were being left to fail. Did have sessions with trainers with Oxford and Haughten Mifflin who were excellent but they couldn't watch us, only give us some tips for the classroom.

2006-2007 Spain/TEFL. Learned a few things from my business TEFL advisor but basically I could have taught the entire class on kids having had taught already for 3 years and the instructor had no idea how to teach classes of children, only single child tutoring or adults training.

2007-2009 hagwan, no open class. Was told to do KOTESL seminars for all teachers, then our boss hated every idea we came back with leaving us wondering why we were sent in the first place.

2009 - present. Immersion school. team leader for grade 3. Open class every year. I invite teachers to come look at lessons I use if they need ideas. I ask for feedback from trained teachers( I am not one). I try to give ideas to teachers who could use some new ideas.
We've asked to be taped so new teachers coming in know what the admin is looking for and to improve ourselves.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[I-am-me]

Open classes are a joke! I really dont know why they include foreigners in it since we really dont get an benefit from it. Its aimed at Korean teachers who strive for advancement and more pay. Foreign teachers dont get crap!! I have seen some horrible Korean teachers with years of experience doing open classes and nothing has happened to them. It's all more paperwork and following protocals. I never put much effort into them after my 2nd yr here. Now going on 8 years.

[bobbybigfoot]

Having never taught in a public school before, it's disheartening to read the comments here. "The whole thing is a sham." "Focus on your relationships more than your teaching."

*sigh*