Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wayfarer]

So I'm finally about to start teaching at my second gig in Korea, a boy's middle school. When I told a friend a month back that it would be a public boy's middle school, he informed me that I would actually, literally be teaching the worst ESL students on planet earth. The logic was something like this- what part of the world has the worst English? East Asia (i.e. Korea). What is the worst age group to teach? Middle school. What is the worst gender to teach, boys or girls? Boys. So, by process of deduction, I actually the worst students on earth.

I taught at a hagwon that had some middle schoolers so I know that the boys are neither studious nor shy. I've consoled myself with the swank apartment, the hours, and the relatively simple duties, but part of me is still wondering how exactly I got into this... next week is going to be interesting...

Not much of a question is really contained here... beyond the subject heading... are my days of sanity numbered?

[matthews_world]

Sounds like you replaced someone midstream.

Try to be nice to the lads and your co-teachers as well. Treat them as equals, don't give specific students preferential treatment. Remember, furthermore, that you're their teacher, not their friend but do try to form some sort of professional student-teacher bond with them.

Offer them something half-way interesting to learn. God knows their texts are horrible. Find out what Korean kids their age like - perverted K-pop girl bands, WWE, soccer, etc. Go in there with your head up. Get the them energized and/or laughing. These tips will give you a good start.