Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mr Poe]

Hi. The head of the English dept has changed and the new head wants me to teach lessons which educate kids on the cultural differences. She has asked me not to use the book and even gone so far as to say that my lesson is not about teaching English, but rather to let the kids know about the world outside of Korea using English. I think this is a pretty good idea, especially for the kids with a good grasp of English, but i'm kind of afraid of losing the kids that can't speak/even understand English. Has anyone taught these kinds of lessons or has anyone got any suggestions on how to engage all the kids and maximise the effecticeness of the lesson? Any feedback would be great! Thanks

[antoniothegreat]

i am not answering what you want, but just some quick advice, many FTs take these "opportunities" to tell korean kids how much better our countries are.

You can teach culture difference without making them feel inferior because you are upset about some part of Korea.

Don't be that guy that just chastizes them for being korean and therefor unable to eat with their mouth closed, stand in lines, respect women, etc.


as for one good lesson that is useful, teach restaurant culture.

you can teach them phrases like "i would like a table for two" as well as cultural aspects like tipping (if you are american) not calling for the waiter, (and therefor respecting your neighbors) menus and how restaurants often have a variety of food... there are tons of things to be put in this way.

just think about your day here and what is severely different, and how you could organize that. like one lesson on shopping (we dont have many street vendors, extras are kept in the back, no discount, handing money with one hand is okay, no bad is ok...)

anyways, good luck

[Thewhiteyalbum]

Hmmm for gods sake don't teach them that we keep our shoes on inside and stuff. No-one I know back home keeps their shoes on..dirty. Although I guess they could as there is no threat of having spit on them..
My co-worker said " I know you think it's rude we slurp our noodles, but we think some things you do are rude."
I said "like what?"
He said "blowing your nose at the table."
I said that I thought that was rude in any culture. If you are out at restaurant, or with guests who the fck loudly blows their nose?

I also told him that even though NZ is not confucian younger people will generally help old people and give up their seats etc, not out of some b.s confucian obligation, but because we have what are called 'manners'.
They seem to think that because the west is not confucian that we have no respect for our elders.

Also, tell them that we respect people because they have earned it, not because of their age..

Okay, rant over. Having a shitty Korea day.

[Mr Poe]

I appreciate your tip on not laying into their culture, but i really like Korea and although i sometimes shudder at the slurping etc i kind of enjoy experiencing that difference. It won't be a problem, but i appreciate your advise. I think i will start with the restaurant scenario, thanks.

[PRagic]

Another example of, 'Hey, we have a foreigner, so wouldn't it be great if we had them....' Of course, no effort is required on their part. Look, you were hired to teach English conversation to kids, and odds are, though you don't state it, you don't have a degree in education. Leave it alone.

Simply tell them that you aren't prepared to teach a class like that, but that you'd love to help them select a new, qualified teacher to help them out with their excellent new idea, or help out the 'qualified Korean teacher' with their efforts (e.g. sitting in on the class from time to time).

This will snowball. It'll start here, and then other 'interesting new ideas great for the kids' will materialize and you'll have more on your plate than you ever bargained for. You won't be paid extra, and your efforts will not be considered should you ever bring up your contributions during talks of a raise. This is the way things are done here.

Best advice...avoid, avoid, avoid. You are in a position with a firm salary cap if you're in a public school, or you're easily replacable if you're working for a hakwon. Even if you're at a university, odds are you're working for a place with a salary cap and/or term limits. In short, there's no upside in this for you, and every chance in the world to take time away from the classes you were contracted to do.