Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ABC KID]

Here is a question to all you public or ex-public school teachers...

How much do you interact with students in your school(s) either willingly or otherwise OUTSIDE of actual English lesson time but actually on the school premises?

I am guessing there might be a number of variables here including how many students are at your school(s), how many schools you teach at, layout of the school and many more...

[harlowethrombey]

I teach at an all-girls' school with no sports clubs, but some other teachers I know sometimes play soccer with the kids or something.

At my school, the girls just come into my office when they want to chat or ask a question. Near the end of the year I sit outside with the 3rd year students to help them practice their essays/speeches for college.

It's really up to you. What do you feel comfortable with? If you want to get to know the kids more play a game with them sometimes or bring in pictures to show them during the lunch period.

If you want them to leave you the hell alone, go for a walk at lunch and always pretend that you're busy at your desk.

As my students are older they usually want to ask about what high school's like in America or places I've traveled.

[Xuanzang]

I talk to my 6th grader cleaners during lunch and sometimes help kids after the after school program. My elementary school kids usually want to leave school ASAP

[Aprince]

I rarely talk to the students. When I do see them outside of the classroom, usually on my way home, most yell Hello but that is the most they say. Occassionally a student will try and speak more, but at my middle school most students are quite low level so any conversations are limited.

[oldtactics]

I teach in a girls highschool and not all the girls really know me yet but there are already a few that visit me in the office/talk to me at lunch/ask me questions in the hall. I've given out one of my email addresses to a few that asked, and they occasionally email me to talk about themselves.

It's really up to you how much you interact with them - I find it okay because they're all 17 and 18 so we have somewhat similar interests.

[nomad-ish]

i'll say hi to them in the halls and when they come into the office they'll say hi to me, possibly even ask a question. outside of school, i'll say hi to my students, ask them how they are, where they are going. but it depends on the kids; if they're the little ***** that annoy me during class and poke fun at me, i hardly pay any attention and i'm gone quick. students that are being genuine and polite, i'll greet them and try to ask a question or two.

[Goku]

Only if I see them on the train will i talk to them.

Generally outside of school I don't talk to the students who are "normal". I avoid them with my body language, saying "I'm busy". Only the special students or the depressed or the bullied kids are ones that I'll willingly talk to. Usually with intentions of making them feel good. I usually buy them a snack, a drink, and say what simplistic Korean I can. But mostly smiles and making them feel safe and comfortable around me.

It's a strange bias. Yes I know. But with "normal" kids... I just don't want to end up with another conversation about what I think about Big Bang, F4, or how handsome I am..... "foreigner, handsome, let me touch your face"... ug

[tenchu77491]

[Fishead soup]

We do our best teaching outside of class. Students often come to my desk and chat. At first they are terrified. For every student I win over its a victory.

When I see students on the street I try to ask at least one question. Either where are you going? Or Where is your house. These little encounters add up and make not only your reputation better . It also makes your time in the classroom much easier. Fewer long blank confused faces to contend with.

[espoir]

I regularly meet a few of my students in 'tea shops' late at night............but I dont think thats what you meant.

[Goku]

[Draz]

[MattAwesome]

I work at an elementary school. I hardly ever see them outside of school. Usually its just a Hi! I give them a highfive and move on.

[moosehead]

some schools I've worked at I was able to ride my bicycle to school and of course, that meant I rode thru the nabes - often I would be spotted by students, sometimes they were riding also - a lot of shouting and hand waving -

those were really the BEST of times and what I'll be nostalgic for when I leave here

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I teach at a small town school. My students are everywhere and interaction is inevitable. Most of them are quite kind and polite, so I don't mind.