Korean Job Discussion Forums

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

When I taught a class like that, I started by giving them a few sample essays from a TOEFL prep book. Then I went through what the book said about structure and so forth.

Made a couple of outlines on the board.. etc.

Then we went through the first essay and discussed whether or not the writer had adhered to the structural constraints or not.

There were only 1 or 2 students who could understand what was going on, but I had to act like they all could handle it.

At the end of the first class, I assigned some sample topics for them to write on...... due next class.

The second class was basically a review of the first, with a few variations,
I chose different sample essays, had the students read them in class, then we compared them and discussed their structure etc.

Once the students had written a few essays, I would chose 1 or 2 of the best to be discussed in class.
Don't says whose it is, as you don't want to embarrass the student.

Discuss the essay the same way you would discuss the sample essays.

I hope this helps.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Well, I brainstormed for about 5 minutes, then realized it wasn't going to work, and I moved on.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Put them in groups of 3 or 4 and have them do it together. Tell them that each group has to come up with X number of ideas in X number of minutes. Then have them write them on the board and discuss them.

Koreans have a "group" mentality and working in groups is usually more successful than having them work alone.