Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gary-Korea · Joined: 23 Apr 2009

Hi

I have recently been told that I must start doing a weekly class for the six English co-teachers at my technical high school. I only have a few months teaching experience with my schools kids. Compared to the 10-30 years experience all my co-teachers have you can understand why I feel a little anxious about running this class. All the co-teachers written and spoken English is excellent.

I was wondering if any of you would be able to share any ideas, materials, website or textbook recommendations that I could use in preparing for these lessons. I honestly don't know where to start and would really appreciate any help you could offer me. As a newbie teacher this is probably my worst nightmare but I really want to do a good job for my co-teachers.

busanliving · Joined: 29 Apr 2009

Go to the website www.scribd.com and check out the timesaver books.
Also look through the stuff on ddeubels site, ton of great stuff on there

halfmanhalfbiscuit · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

You "must" do a class or they have asked you to?

andrewchon · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject:

If their written and spoken English are excellent then you can go:
watching movie clips on youtube: I tried "there's no crying in baseball" (League of their own) and "Romanes Eunt Domus" (Life of Brian). I explained the text and sub-text. They were too much for my teacher class. Yours, I don't know.
One teacher wanted me to explain Sex and the City. I told them all the sexual words and that was alright.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Dodgy Al · Joined: 15 May 2004 Location: Seoul

I did that last year. I used The Flatmates from the BBC, and they enjoyed it. Each episode is pretty short. We would discuss some interesting words from the script, then chat about the characters and plot etc. Good fun, and very relaxed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Try out the SETI Teachers website - http://setiteachers.ning.com

I started the site and it has content specifically for Korean teachers. Lots there but in particular are a few textbooks you can download that you can use with teachers. Search for English Factory .

busanliving - thanks for the thumbs up. I recommend hitting the EFL classroom mediafire resources under the "RESOURCES" tab. Go to the activities folder or the EFL Books section. Lots you can use...

Cheers,
DD
http://eflclassroom.ning.com
http://teachingrecipes.com

Gary-Korea · Joined: 23 Apr 2009

Thanks for the responses everyone. This is really helpful stuff. Please keep the suggestions coming! I completely agree that this is a chance for the co-teachers to practice using English rather than me actually teaching. I know they require my help in giving instructions for some of the more complex activities from our school English textbook but this may only take a lesson or two as its pretty standard. I also figured more of a discussion or debating class might work well. What do you think? Its certainly going to be a trial and error situation for me because of my lack of experience.

Yes, this is something I have been told to do by my Principal (at least via my headteacher). The Principal seems to be on 'everyone must learn English' mission at the moment. This even included an extra class for the rest of schools teachers at 7am. It was soon shot down though when I politely refused and only a few teachers signed up for it. Also on the cards is an after school programme for students. When I questioned how popular this would be amongst the students I got told that he may force the students to attend, which should keep things interesting!

jennzy · Joined: 12 Jan 2009

focus on free talking.
even though their english is good, most esl students struggle with free talking.

Kikomom · Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:23 am Post subject:

Not being a teacher, I'm only going on an intuitive 'gut' feeling here, but understanding the underlying reasons for this class, and with an approach geared to that, this could be your most popular class there. And a lot of fun too.

Do some research on the Asian philosophy of Learning. Use the teachers in your class who have experience with western culture to help the less experienced ones (ones who have never traveled outside of Korea) facilitate exchange/discussion. Let everyone bring their concerns, what THEY would like to take away from the class (spelling, punctuation, grammar, pronunciation, etc.) to the table and let the learning begin.

Like I said, it's a gut feeling, but not only will they acquire/refresh skills to take to their students, it's about lifelong learning. Something every teacher should aspire to. You may know it as Continuing Ed.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Gary-Korea · Joined: 23 Apr 2009

So a few of you agree that a free talking class would be most appropriate for my English co-teachers. The question I have is how would one go about running this type of class? Any ideas you have would be much appreciated. Please forgive my inexperience!

Totti · Joined: 24 Nov 2007

Look at the websites below. I don't follow them point by point, but they're both good websites for prompting conversation if things are going slow in the classroom.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/
http://iteslj.org/links/

Kikomom · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:06 am Post subject:

Before you start, read the essays E_athlete posted in another thread about cultural differences. Pay close attention to the author's points on heirarchy, loyalty, and honesty. You're going to need to understand this thoroughly when they clam up and defer to the senior members of the staff. I've seen that problem posted on these boards here before.

An open dialogue will be a good opportunity for a better understanding of how your students (both in this class and your regular classes) view you and how everyone can gain from the experience. This class could be your 'in'.

Closing words:

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008