Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kwai_Chang_Kain]

Hello all. Having taught English exclusively to children for the past 4 years I have now reached my limit and can no longer continue to do so. I am eager to make the switch to teaching adults. Unfortunately I have absolutely no experience teaching adults whatsoever so I have a few Q's for seasoned teachers.

1) If you started your career teaching children and then switched to teaching adults how did you find the transition and how long was the transition period if you had any?

2) In the beginning, was it difficult to change your teaching methods given the way how you were used to a class full of children to now being in a class full of adults?

3) What aspects of your lesson planning process remain the same and what did you have to completely change?

4) When teaching kids I often incorporated a lot of games such as basketball, connect four, etc. and TPR type activities for use with pattern practices and comprehension checks. Somehow I don't see those same games and activities flying too well in a class full of adults. What kinds of activities or games if any work in an adult classroom setting?

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer me any input and advice.

[I'm no Picasso]

I started with adults and moved to children. They're definitely two different animals. Personally, I prefer adults, simply because I can get into higher level concepts, even if their English is still quite low. Also, you don't have to compete for their attention or try to prevent them from engaging in completely ridiculous behavior while you're teaching.

Kids are great because they're funny and their perspective is always refreshing, though. And very rarely do you get an awkward silence in a children's class. They can be quite pervasive in adult classes at the start, however. Don't let it worry you. From my experience, it's quite normal for the first few classes to be a bit bumpy while everyone gets over their shyness.

I think the most important thing to remember with adult classes is that they are adults. I'm quite young, so most of my adult students have been anywhere from five to twenty years older than me. I would never have the balls to try to make them play a game. And if I do feel the need to make them do some kind of stupid, embarrassing speaking activity, I always sort of say, I know it's blah blah blah, embarrassing, stupid, whatever, but it really does help.

I always let my adult students know that if they don't like something about the class, or they have a suggestion, that they should make it known. It's their class -- not mine.

I think the most important thing with adult classes is to keep checking in and let them know they can speak to you freely. I've found adults are far, far more likely to let you go on and on while they don't understand a damn thing that's going on than kids are. My boys have been taught to, and will, shout out, without hesitation, "TEACHER! I DON'T UNDERSTAND!" But adults are much more timid about this. Stop often, move away from the podium and toward the students, lower your voice and say, "Is everyone following? Everyone understands?" You'll never know you've lost them all if you don't ask.

[tefain]

The thing that keeps me from teaching adults is the split shifts. Many jobs call for you to teach from 6am to 10am and then from 4pm to 8-9pm, then repeat the next day

There are some good points about that. You do have a nice amount of time in the middle of the day should you want to take care of any business like going to the doctor, or just relaxing or exercising.

About the teaching, you need to be more prepared and ready to talk with the adults (even if they show up hung over ) If they're spending time in class, they expect you to be ready. It's really nice if the students are talkative and eager to learn things. Also, you don't have the disipline issues that somehow infects the kids classes.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

) When teaching kids I often incorporated a lot of games such as basketball, connect four, etc. and TPR type activities for use with pattern practices and comprehension checks. Somehow I don't see those same games and activities flying too well in a class full of adults. What kinds of activities or games if any work in an adult classroom setting?

Substitute the games and activities for discussions, role plays etc, and from the gist of your writing you'll soon be on track.

Supplement with one-off dedicated pronunciation, listening classes

Few things...

1, Keep a very keen eye on whether students are following. Have them repeat back instructions. Also, write up an advanced organiser and ask them at the end what they learnt (and what they don't know and what they'd like to know)

2, Adults will not see you as the English monkey.....but rather something closer to a driving instructor. Expect complaints when they don't follow, hell, even if they just don't like the cut of your jib . So...be friendly and a bit social. There's no real solution here. There will always be complaints.

3, Get a handle on explaining grammar.

4, Split-shifts are a freaking killer. You never get used to it, resigned to it perhaps. Expect your enjoyment and efficiency levels to drop at times.

5, Plan, plan, plan. Try to make those good classes that seem to just teach themselves less arbitrary. Keep them, file them away. Don't have your co-workers pilfer them.

6, Be wary of Alpha Ajumma and Ajosshi. Be assertive. When they say "We want you to..." it's just them, not the class. *beep* 'em. Don't let them hijack the class.

7, Dress well-suit or smart casual.

8, Use a good cologne if you get sloshed the night before.

Hope that helps