Korean Job Discussion Forums

Diana X2 · Joined: 06 Jan 2008

Hi everyone. I'm back in Korea after satisfying my curiosity and briefly working elsewhere. Have been in a small coastal city since September and I'm pretty thrilled about it!

Okay, now for my question: one of my classes is a class of local English teachers. They are an intelligent but catty bunch! You'd have to see it to believe it, the swipes they make at each other, plus the brags about how rich they are, how successful their "academies" are etc. Point is, it's somewhat of a difficult crowd, though I can tell they respect me a lot and are very into the class. However, one thing is going on every day and I don't know how to handle it: some of the more alpha students take it upon themselves to *constantly* correct the students they think are weaker than them. The problem is, their corrections are also erroneous. Sometimes I step in but often I just let it slide and focus on other issues. I don't want to reinforce incorrect speaking patterns, but I also don't want to demoralize them.... Sometimes it's really out of control, though, they have very strong personalities.... help! Any suggestions?

luvnpeas · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:15 am Post subject:

The teacher is the boss. Be the boss. It's often hard to make a class resemble your vision of what a class should be. But if you don't try, you aren't really teaching.

Tell the class to remember to let people finish, and to let you do the teaching. If that doesn't work, then single out the individuals when they cross the line.

Netz · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:22 am Post subject:

Those who can, do.

Those who can't, teach.

Those who can't teach, teach teachers.

Diana X2 · Joined: 06 Jan 2008

Two of the students are directors whom I work for. And they are both older than me. Does this really sound that clear cut to everyone except me? To me it's unpleasantly tricky. They are all very self-conscious about how weak they are in spite of the fact that they are English teachers. I'm sensitive to that. And I'm irritated by them too, for this and other reasons. I guess just emotionally it's been confusing for me. But you're right, I must lay down the law.

Diana X2 · Joined: 06 Jan 2008

[quote="Netz"]Those who can, do.

Those who can't, teach.

Those who can't teach, teach teachers.[/quote]

Oh, and f off, Netz. Do those who 'can' teach slam other teachers who are reaching out for suggestions on how to improve when faced with a challenge? I think not. Such a tacky and amateurish thing to do.