Korean Job Discussion Forums

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The English teachers, 3 of them, called me around 11:30PM to interview me. They were pretty straight to the point in their questioning. Two repeated ones were, "Any ideas for teaching plans?" and "How are you going to deal with 40 middle school troublemakers?"

It was short and boring, I didn't really get to speak to them thoroughly because they had class soon.

Anyway, other than taking a TESOL cert. course, what would be ways to prepare teaching these little guys? I'll definitely look over the suggestions here on Dave's too. I would especially like to know how to deal with middle schoolers, maybe even spoiled ones.

Thanks~

[BS.Dos.]

Describing them as 40 middle school troublemakers doesn't sound very reassuring. If they're already a handful for your CTs (I'm assuming the people you spoke to were your Korean CTs right?), then I can only imagine the fun they're gonna have when you walk through the door. It also sounds like they can't wait for you to arrive, which tells me you should tread cautiously. Any ideas for teaching plans? could mean that they don't have either a book or a clue, which might mean that they're young newly qualified teachers who quite possibly may not be much use to you in terms of assistance.

Thankfully, I can't describe my students in the same way. For the most part, they're really good so I can't offer you any real advice on prepering for a really disruptive class as I've never had to handle one, but if I did, I'd come down on them like a ton of bricks from the offset if it was warranted. There's chatter and pissing about and there's all out armageddon. Unless you're confident enough to handle this from day one and being as it's your first gig, I'd maybe say look elsewhere.

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Sorry, they really didn't say troublemakers. Asked me how I would handle middle schoolers who can be disruptive. I'm pretty sure they wanted to know what kind of a teacher I would be by asking me if I had ideas. They sounded middle aged, but just a guess for now.

Of course you could be totally right...they could all be spoiled private school kids. I'm gonna need a lot of energy energy if that's the case and maybe many evening to blow of the steam haha (half jokingly).

I don't look like a tough guy, but I have a big voice so maybe I could use that to my advantage.

[BS.Dos.]

Sorry, didn't really answer your question.

Get your TESOL. It'll be worth it. Invest in a couple of useful activity books that have lots of word games etc. Try and get a rough idea of your firsts weeks lessons. I know that probably sounds stupid right now, but the chances are you're going to have to hit the ground running once you arrive so having a rough idea in your head will pay dividends. Don't get over ambitious and keep whatever you do plan simple as their ability will more than likely be very low. Speak slowly and clearly to everyone at school until they get familar with your voice. Don't expect any materials to be waiting for you. There may be a book or two. It may mostly be in Korean. Don't expect an easy transition with lots of support and reassurance as it probably won't come. My guidance when I arrived was "Speaky slowly. Makey interesting". You may get less if you're the first FT through the door.

That may sound harsh, but if you prepare for the worse case scenario, then you'll be ready for whatever comes your way during the first couple of weeks. Knowing what you're going to do will make it a bit easier while you adjust to your new surroundings etc. Bring some photos etc of your hometown/GF/BF/Family/Pets etc as they'll be curious to get to know about you and where you're from. The enjoy that kind of crap apparently.

It may be that you luck out and have wonderful CTs who are supportive and who have brought loads of teaching materials etc. However, it may not be that sweet so prepare for the worst just in case.

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No, thank for being real. I should definitely go with some plan in mind just in case.

I was thinking about doing some kind of diagnostic for the first class. I'm not sure how i will carry it out though.

[BS.Dos.]

I'm not sure what your timeframe is here and when you're planning on coming over, but I'm assuming it won't be for a few months as you've said that you've still enough time to complete the TESOL.

As you said Cert. TESOL, then I'm assuming you're talking about Trinity College TESOL in which case you'll have to do a minimum of 6-hours teaching practice. When you start doing your TPs, you'll find that Trinity College have 5-grades of learners: L2, L1 and Entry 1,2,and 3. L2 are the highest level in terms of ability, followed by L1. Entry 1 are the lowest and are pretty much (In the UK at least) newly arrived immigrants who've come from all over the world and who can just about say hello etc. As you're planning on coming to Korea I'd strongly recommend that you take your TPs with the E1, 2 & 3 grades, as their ability is lower, you'll be better prepared for what you'll experience over here.

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