Korean Job Discussion Forums

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

This is why the western world is having problems in their educational systems....all of the "good" teachers are in Korea. Rolling Eyes

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

I rated myself high because firstly I truly love (most of the time) teaching the kids and seeing them progress and secondly I enjoy the element of surprise, no two days are the same. Smile

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I think I'm ok for my situation. I teach classes of 40 and I've made up my own learning programme for it that runs alongside the textbook the kids use. But there's alway room for improvement.

Although I do have a private school in my area trying to head hunt me. So I suppose I can't be all that bad.

MixtecaMike · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 5:02 am Post subject:

Only 25% are average or below, I don't believe that's possible, statistically speaking. Very Happy

Unless of course the majority of those sub-excellent teachers are afraid to read this post Razz

Damn we're good!

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

I'll admit I'm "sub-excellent".....I don't know....I'm not enjoying it as much as I used to and I'm not prepping as much. I only have 2 teaching days left, so I think I've got a little burn-out going on. I could have taught the kids a lot more if I really wanted I guess, but we get along quite well and they were really upset when I told them I was going.
I think one of the reasons I didn't put a lot of heart into teaching this year was because my hogwan really didn't help me out a lot, in terms of teaching. I mean, they'd change kids around, times around without notifying me at all, so I didn't feel like making useless lesson plans.
I think I need a more professional place next time around in order to get me back into teaching.

Ody · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: over here

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

To be honest i've never had any complaints here in Korea, only good things.

But does that make me a good teacher?????

I think not...more like a good entertainer/ class manager.

Keepongoing · Joined: 13 Feb 2003 Location: Korea

It depends on how you judge that;

If it is being professional and sincerely caring for students, I would rate myself very high.

If having an excellent personality that the students take too--well, I am not The Beaver, but I try and it is hit and miss.

I need to improve and always rise up to the challenge as each new semester begins.

I do have my role-models; Paul and Phil and, oh yes, The Beave, but they all went away. I think it helps to have role-models.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 8:50 pm Post subject:

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

hojucandy · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Location: In a better place

i am fecking brilliant with everything but middle-schoolers

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

The world, not least korea, is having problems in its educational systems because there is no discipline for badly behaved kids, and no respect for teachers anymore...
Loathe to bring it up once again, but its so blindingly obvious. You can't expect a class of unruly kids to listen to and learn from a foreign teacher speaking in an unintelligible language, without some sort of threat there to make them do so.
The Korean hagwon system is probably the most dysfunctional, least viable educational system I've ever come across. It will drain even the best of teachers.
But I'm sure you all know that already.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

I dont put myself in situations that I know I cant handle..
I am not a teacher.. I do not have a degree in teaching, or ESL education
you might say I have learnt as I went.. I have been doing this for 7 years now.. but I know my limitations.. I do not accept TEFL, OR high level business teaching or intense grammar teaching..
I stick to what I can do.. and work that is not really hard.. becuase I do like my job so I prefer to keep it simple with high pay..
so I teach kids!
sure alot of you professional ESL teachers hate kindy.. but Its just not for you.. you probably dont have the patience for it. it can be hard.. but it pays the same or more than pro esl with out the stress for me..

do I teach kindy well??
or children?
or my adult free talking classes?

yes! I guess so.. I teach as much as they want to learn. I push them alittle if they dont move I dont keep pushing it.. you have to be very careful with hakwon jobs and part time jobs.. especially with kids..
you see they dont really want to be there.. their mums forced them there.
if they dont like you.. you could lose your job! so I guess I am a good teacher, I make it fun for them to come.. and give enough work to keep the boss, the mothers and the kids happy.. of course the parents and boss have no idea that I give them *beep* ALL! hahahahah
but I keep getting paid so thats all I care about it..
I do my services to the man! I do my part to the slave game!
I play the system as it plays me!
but no I am not a pro teacher!
but I get the job done!