Korean Job Discussion Forums

[daz1979]

Just wondered whether any of you guys had to call parents/students at their homes.

Today, my co-teacher told me that my boss wants me to call students at their homes every Monday and Friday after my classes have finished.

I usually agree with my boss with 99% of his decisions; however, in my eyes this seems quite unnecessary. First they said that they wanted me to review classes that day with the students, which obviously I generally do at the start of my next class. Then, after questioning her about this she admitted it was mainly for advertising, and keeping good relationships with the parents.

I asked, �What do you want me to talk about� she said �How are you?� and �What are you doing now?� I honestly don�t see any point in this, especially as my students are elementary kids and have a very low level of English. Most of the time I have to explain words using actions and drawings which I can hardly do at the end of a telephone.

I�ve actually had a bit of a row over this already today as I think it should be the co-teachers responsibility. She could answer any questions that the parents have and as she has gone from being really helpful to just sitting in the computer room watching church programs, she obviously has more time to complete this work.

I don�t mind doing it really, but just think it�s pointless and was wondering if anyone else does this and whether your students find it useful.

[spyro25]

do it so badly the first time so that you will never be asked to do it again. it worked at our unigwon - it can work for you too!

seriously - make sure that every child you call is incapable of answering the questions you intend to ask. The absolute silence on min-ji's end of the line (with her mum listening in intently) will be golden. also, 'forget' to call at least 1/4 of the parents on your phone list, so that those parents come in to complain. also, if you know any korean - don't use it to the parents and use your thickest accent so they can't tell a word you are saying. the best thing to do is call parents at the wrong times. most often parents say something like 'well my min-ji doesn't get home from piano practice until 10, so call after 10 - LIKE YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO UNTIL OR AFTER 10PM! - best thing is to call that at any time that is not the time you are meant to.

enough complaints and the phone call requests will stop. my co-workers actually pretty much teamed up to sink the phone teaching on its first run - and it worked!

[Takeshima]

IF you decide to do it make sure you get paid overtime. I had a job that had me call the students and it usually took me about 2hrs a night to get it all done, like 3 or 4 nights a week. My advice 1) don't do it or 2) get paid.

[daz1979]

[Pak Yu Man]

2 hours a week talking on the phone is more like 4 or 5 hours.

Call mom.

Yobosaeyo? Yobosaeyo? Yobosaeyo? About 30 secs wasted there.

30 secs for little min suck to get to the phone. 1 min talking. Bam 2-3 mins per kid.

[twg]

[Cliffhanger]

My hagwon asked me to start doing this 3 weeks ago. I made it clear that I didn't want to, but our school is slowly dying and my director asked me to "please help". He also admitted it was only for show for the mothers. Also my fellow native co-worker had no problem doing it, and I didnt want him getting stuck doing all of them, so I finally agreed.

After 3 weeks, I dont find it all that bad. My school set up all the times so I can do them all at once, and I haven't had any problems at all reaching the kids or speaking with the parents. It's kinda funny when I reach a mother. "Yoboseyo?" "Hi this is Cliffhanger Teacher, Is Min Ho there?" and then I hear her scream in the background SONSAENGNIMMMMM.

I even had a lengthy and pleasant conversation with one mother.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[some waygug-in]

If there is no way to get out of doing it, then here's what to do.

Have your set time when you call each Monday and Friday.

1 hour each (I suppose). Have a list of the students names and phone numbers with a chart so you can mark down who you've called and who you haven't.

Go through the list, talk to whoever you can. The one's who aren't home, you can try again within that hour, but if they ain't home in that time....tough shyte for them.

If anyone complains about it just tell them you tried to call but they weren't home.

[pkang0202]

[mistermasan]

it isn't so bad. gives you a good chance to assess the skills of each w/out the buddies feeding him every answer for a change. give therm questions they can answer, build up the confidence abit. good for all.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[Pak Yu Man]

[Cliffhanger]