Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iiicalypso]

I am always interested in reading about the conflicts between native speakers and KT's, and it got me wondering what the differences are between the different levels.

I have only taught high school in Korea, but I did teach elementary school in Taiwan, so I have had some different experiences. However, I am very curious to hear from other people who have taught at multiple levels what the differences are.

For me, the biggest difference is that in high school, I have managed to wiggle free of using a textbook, whereas teaching elementary school I always felt constrained by the book. It is a lot more work creating my own materials, and probably a lot less scientific, but I find that it is more enjoyable for the students and the coteachers, since my lessons tend to be more energetic than the books.

I have also found that the high school teachers are, by and large, much more willing to let me take the lead, since they have a lot more responsibilities outside of teaching. In addition, they don't have the same close bond with the students, since my elementary co-teachers were usually the regular class teachers. They knew the students well, and were more willing to intervene (which is natural, I think).

So, what about you? What are the differences between the different PS levels in your experience?

[BS.Dos.]

I teach at a girls MS and a boys HS.

I enjoy complete autonomy in both, and with the exception of my handler at my main school (HS) who's nice enough but a rather incompetent and inept nincompoop of a teacher, my other 2CTs are pretty good. They generally let me get on with it and only interject to translate or ask a question of their own. My other CT at my HS is excellent. The boys really respect him and his contributions to the lessons are very good. It's probably how Co-teaching should be, but usually isn't.

There's slightly more pressure at the HS than the MS, but I put this down to more being expected of the students (academically) at HS. I enjoy my MS; it's more relaxed and girls are generally more responsive in at least attempting to try to speak in English, but I really love my HS. The girls can be just a bit too childish for my liking at times.

Going back to CTs; I get on well with all the teachers at both schools and haven't had any disagreements or fallings out with any of my CTs.