Korean Job Discussion Forums

[v10vipe]

Hey this is my first post but I've been 'hovering' around for awhile now...

I've been considering teaching in Korea for a few months now and I'm with a recruiter about to get into the interview phase but I've been thinking a lot about the actual teaching part lately and have a few concerns.

I've never taught before and I would consider myself a very introverted, shy, person and because of this I really don't like public speaking (presentations were the worst part of college classes for me). Also to make matters worse I'm a very fast talker. However I always get compliments on how well I do with them and people always assume I'm an outgoing person when they first meet me.

Now I know what you're thinking - why would I consider teaching knowing this about myself? Well I always thought the 'teaching' would be just talking to the kids in English, making sure they're speaking correctly, and playing games with them as an assistant or something. Then I was told recently that I actually have my own (multiple) classes to teach and a curriculum to follow.

So now I'm having second thoughts but the thing is I really want to travel and live in a new place and I don't know a better way than to do this! Basically I'm wondering if anyone else is/was like me and what the teaching experience is/was like for you and what a day of teaching ACTUALLY consists of (I know all places are different but they have to be pretty close right?)

Do you think this is something I should still consider or would I be in over my head? Any thoughts and suggestions welcome, thanks all!

[Chris_Dixon]

imo you will have alot of trouble if you are quiet and shy...the kids will take advantage of you and you could have alot of discipline issues. In my experience you need to be quite loud, and animated to have a successful class really....

Also, you will have to make sure you slow your speech down.....as the kids are learning

BUT you get used to it, they are kids so its not that bad

[lifeinkorea]

Standing in front of elementary school students is a lot different than middle school, high school, and adults. As someone who hated getting in front of the class, I don't feel anything with the younger kids.

What I find the hard part is getting students to participate. Many of them know the answer, but it is actually the students that are shy.

Middle school students are the same, but they are much harder to control. High school students are advanced in the sense the good students will drain your knowledge and make you look dumb LOL. That can be very embarassing when they ask for some trivial fact about your country and you don't know the answer off the top of your head ("How many Koreans are in your hometown?", "Not many? What is not many?", "It means there aren't a lot.", "You mean you don't know the actual number?", "No, I don't.", "Oh, how can you teach me English then if you can't give this factoid that only you would know?", "Shut up kid, we're doing debate on culture not my hometown".

You don't get this volley with the younger ones cause they simply can't converse that well.

[tanklor1]

[v10vipe]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Yeah I figured teaching younger kids wouldn't be as bad as the older ones (I helped out as a camp counselor for a couple years)...so would you say it's more of lecturing to them than conversing with them though? I think I'd be a good teacher when I can talk to them one-on-one more but it's just that large group dynamic when you don't know who you're talking to that I think throws me off. For that reason I'm hoping for small classes!

Also I am quite aware the fear of public speaking is ridiculous but it's like telling someone who's afraid of spiders (or anything) that that's ridiculous too...we all have irrational fears! And it's not just 'lingering from junior high,' I've had it ever since I can remember. In fact one of the few things I remember from first grade is being real nervous doing show in tell in front of the class

I know my fast talk would be a problem and I've been consciously trying to speak slower now. At least I don't have an accent to deal with (I have midland 'neutral' accent)

[refikaM]

If you really want to travel/teach overseas, why not pursue a CELTA/TEFL certificate so that at least you'll get a good idea about what teaching EFL is all about? In addition, it'll be easier to secure a position perhaps with a little higher pay. You never know, you might "blossom" in front of a classroom. I know people who I'd consider shy, but they are good teachers... Just a suggestion.

[v10vipe]

[Chris_Dixon]

ah my mistake, then really dont worry....you will adapt its fun....just need to be commanding at times to get the class into line

[Yu_Bum_suk]

You may wish to consider a job teaching / tutoring adults.

[nomad-ish]

you'll be fine, just do yourself a favour and choose a public school for your first year. i'm shy and introverted like you and i'm teaching middle school kids. it was most difficult for the first couple months, but eventually the teaching will help you with your public speaking and becoming less quiet-- it's a good thing!

[gnomead]

Sorry to barge in, but I'm in pretty much in the same situation as the OP. I was worried about being on the shy side for a long time too but I've heard a lot of positive things similar to other comments in this thread, so now I'm mostly just excited to meet the challenge.

nomad-ish wrote

[Perceptioncheck]

Yes, don't worry about being introverted! I can be introverted and tend to turn a nasty shade of red when I have to speak in front of others, but in the classroom it's a whole different ball game. My teacher personality and my real personality are a little different; it's almost like I put on a mask every time I step into class.

As for public school versus Hagwons, there are multiple threads on the subject in the job discussion forum. Both have their good and bad points, but as far as class size goes I think hagwons have the upper hand. Public school classes tend to be A LOT bigger (unless you're teaching in a rural area) and - depending on your school - you might not have a co-teacher to help with classroom control. However, public school is better for beginners in a monetary sense because they are above board when it comes to things like healthcare, pension, overtime and severance payments.

[Mdvl_lady50]

Have you ever thought about supply/substitute teaching where you live for a few months, and see how you like it? You might be surprised, as in either good or not for you. I've subbed for the last several years (in between moving to England and moving back to the States). I did have an ESL classroom in Arizona on an emergency certificate, but the school got busted by the state inspectors in that I did not have 2 years ESL teaching experience. Whatever. It seemed ironic, that this state voted anti bilingual eduation in a state referendum. Kids from Mexico or Spanish speaking families get the joy of learning English in a few short years -- voila, they are blingual in both English and Spanish. The state doesn't believe in ESL teaching at all in reality -- but oh well.

Whilst growing up I stuttered incredibly. Speech therapy was useless, as I just kind of outgrew it. I became introverted and shy, but now I can get up in the classroom with the best of them. I have to be prepared, but then with the little ones (which I'll be teaching in Korea), you have to realize you'll be winging it at times. There have been occasions when I think I'm an entertainer rather than a teacher.

Good luck, original poster.

[D.D.]

Do what you fear most and fear wont control you. Inside a shy person is a loud mouth looking to escape. I was very shy years ago and now I am very comfortable talking in front of groups.

I remember watching my father conduct meetings and wondering how he got up the courage to talk in front of people. It is easy once you do it enough.

Your life will be quite limited if you don't try the things you fear.