Korean Job Discussion Forums

Oatmeal Prince · Joined: 11 Jun 2009

Poll question. Who here is actively assisted by and/or jointly conducts your classes with Korean co-teachers? I'm curious because I teach all classes by myself without the active aid or assistance of any Korean at my workplace, although their absence in the actual classroom runs contrary to what a clause in my contract explicitly states.

SanchoPanza · Joined: 10 Jan 2010 Location: London

[ POLL ] Who here knows what "Job Related" means?

DosEquisXX · Joined: 04 Nov 2009

Bragging a bit?

I can teach some classes without assistance. But others, I need help.

oldtactics · Joined: 18 Oct 2008

I'm at a high-level academic highschool and 90% of the time my coteachers don't come to class and the other 10% they stand at the back for the entire period.

Oatmeal Prince · Joined: 11 Jun 2009

First, I apologize for posting in the wrong forum.

Second, it's not a thread for boasting in any way. If I bring this up with the Korean co-teachers at work and they refuse to co-teach as the contract explicitly states, then is there some legal remedy I can seek? This has been a breach of contract since day one. I consulted with multiple bilingual Korean friends and they say that yes, it is indeed a breach of contract. (I make this point because the legal language of the contract is in Korean, so I let them check it out.)

I recognize that the point of the thread isn't as obvious as it should be, but assume good faith. FFS.

EDIT: I should say that no, I absolutely CANNOT teach many of the classes without assistance, particularly since I'm teaching kids aged 5 to 12. There are many things I simply can't explain to them using English or the elementary Korean that I know.

nomad-ish · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:34 pm Post subject:

i've got a bunch of co-teachers, so it's rather hard to answer this poll. most of my co-teachers help me if needed, only one teaches actively with me, and one doesn't do much of anything.

all in all, i kind of prefer it this way.

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

VanIslander

interesting illusion based on language choice

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

VanIslander

Oatmeal Prince · Joined: 11 Jun 2009

It does say that my duties include "assisting" Korean teachers with their classes, but when one puts it like that, their 0% attendance rate seems even more appalling. I also receive zero help in preparing class materials. When I ask they're nearly always "busy" doing something else. My FT colleagues and I plan to address all of this next week. What's the best way to go about it?

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

The best way is to first thank your lucky stars that you are NOT being treated as a pronunciation monkey.

Many here would jump at the chance to be in your shoes. (namely me)

You have the opportunity to develop your own lessons, teaching style etc.

If you get KT's to teach in the class, don't be surprised if they just take over and push you to the side.

Oatmeal Prince · Joined: 11 Jun 2009

mulligc3 · Joined: 04 Mar 2009

I spent most of my time co teaching but as I'm nearing the end of my contract I have been given classes alone(I've asked long enough). We've come to the agreement that teaching alone is better for all parties involved including the students.I much prefer teaching alone .
If the K teacher is there they will take over. The quick and easy way out is to translate. I don't have the Korean to do so. If we can't translate we are forced to use simpler vocabulary and actions to explain. Also the students have to talk to me in English as my Korean is terrible. Many a student has to be forced into speaking English. They used to talk in Korean to K teachers and get away with it.
I always have a dictionary handy too. There is always 1 student in the class who gets it. I get them to explain to the rest if needs be.
Teaching alone gives you a real idea what teaching is about. Pity it took so long yet I think I wouldn't have liked to teach solo from the start. I'd no experience and I'm sure I picked up ideas and tips from observing Korean teachers. Maybe it's my personality type but I really don't think co teaching works, at least not for me.

reactionary · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: korreia

For the people whose co-teacher do nothing in class...what happens on "demonstration class" days?

Do your co-teachers suddenly become active for that one class and put on a dog and pony show?

I ask because I've already had to put on two of these. But my co-teachers were both active (much to my chagrin) in my classes to begin with.