Korean Job Discussion Forums

[agentX]

There's been a lot of talk about implementing/imposing a mandatory orientation for all E-2 teachers. Public schools for the most part have an orientation for their hiring groups (August, February, etc). Some hagwons do a rudimentary orientation.

To catch up, read Brian's blog post here .

Most people view current orientations (according to the articles) as somewhat useful in learning cultural tips but not useful in teaching tactics or classroom strategies or even lesson planning (one program gave out books filled with lesson plans). Current plans offered by the national government don't make mention of this. In fact the only things mentioned tend to be basic stuff kimchi, dokdo, 5000 years, don't date our women, etc...

So, how would you design a nationwide E-2 orientation system? Would it be based in Seoul or set up per region? Would all E-2 visa holders have to take it or just first-timers? Would it be only about teaching or would it cover some cultural aspects, like how to use the goddamn ATM so you don't have to punch the screen and call it a mother fukker to get cash to come out! [/url]

[WavFunc]

I think having Koreans teaching us how to teach won't do any good. Hire some foreigners who have teaching certifications and are good at conducting such sessions. Get them to do it. Make it into a series of intensive workshops without a lot of fluff.

Spend a day talking about Korean culture that applies to our lives here and the history behind it.

Have a test that everyone must pass in order to keep their jobs here. If they fail it more than three times, they get deported.