Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lifeinkorea]

I work indirectly with an elementary school teaching afterschool classes. I don't mind the lack of planning, but lack of common sense keeps coming up with the organization that is managing the program.

Yesterday, my co-teacher and I went to the main office to select books for the new teaching period coming up. After we did that, they talked to us about removing one of the classes (those students would either move up or down to another class) and we would create a new class. This way they can make more money.

We don't have many students, so it's not that big of a deal to me. My co-teacher suggested having it used as a make-up class since a lot of students have to leave early for hagwon classes or taekwondo/piano practice. In their infinite wisdom, they have decided to reject that idea and want to offer a "middle school prep" class instead. This would sound good, but we don't have any 6th graders.

Normally, if this was a public school position, I wouldn't say anything since it would end up in a free period. However, since this is potentially a final straw for the program I want to make sure we get more students. With the swine flu, they have already discussed with me closing the program for a week when the school plans on closing for a week.

How do I explain to them that this middle school prep class isn't going to bring in students unless we actually get 6th graders taking the normal afterschool classes?

Does anyone have an idea I can suggest for a more realistic class which is better for younger students?

What gets me is that the reason for rejecting my co-teacher's suggestion is that they said parents of the younger students would complain. We plan on having this extra class at around 4pm. This means it's too late for the young ones to attend. So, they want a middle school prep class instead?

[yingwenlaoshi]

Don't get involved with that crap. Just let them go about their merry way with whatever ideas they have for whatever. You're not the ower or even the program director. They're not looking for your input. Besides, English is English. Whether it be a "prep" program or not.

[BreakfastInBed]

Yeah, let them do their thing. Chances are they know something you don't. Countless times I've gotten up in arms over a decision made by the powers that be that seemed completely irrational and counter to all reasonable thought and any logical assumptions that could be drawn from the information available. That was the problem though, I rarely, if ever, had all the information.

I'd say trust them until it becomes abundantly clear that you've either been hoodwinked, are being taken advantage of, or are dealing with true incompetence. Then act.