Korean Job Discussion Forums

reactionary · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: korreia

I've been told for one class period a week (elementary school) i have to teach a 'developing time' class. Apparently I can choose from English debate, roleplays, etc. It sounds like a club or something, but my coteacher was kind of vague describing it. I don't know the ages or levels of the students yet. Anyone know what i should expect?

buildbyflying · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:55 pm Post subject:

Sounds like it can be what you want to make of it. Have fun with it.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

"Developing Time" is how my middle school, along with a few others in this burg, refer to what used to be called after-school classes. A couple of years ago, those were called "Club Activities" and were optional. Now, all the students must enroll in one of the DT classes.

reactionary · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: korreia

OK...so...any pointers on what direction I should take this? A debate class would be great, but I have no idea the English ability of these kids. I tend to think they'd need to be upper-intermediate to do that kind of thing.

The coteacher hinted at there being some "English contest" in the future and so a focus on debate or roleplay would be better. I'm not too good at pulling this stuff out of my behind though.

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

Make it easy on yourself and try and find some ESL books on Englishtips.org, or at local bookstores if you fancy actually spending money.

You may find that you have a few different levels in one class. If this is the case, you can try and do some group activities. That way, you can ensure that there are multiple levels in each group which allows the more advanced students to help their beginne level peers.

Try and make the classes as student-focused as possible, and have some sort of fun and innovative reward system to encourage them to speak English. If you choose to do a reward system, be diligent and generous.

I hope these suggestions help a bit. Smile

wallythewhale · Joined: 12 Mar 2009

Why not try to make English fun during this time? I have to do this as well and am thinking about sports with an emphasis in English (play American sports but speak in English ie. pass, run, shoot, layup, throw). Heck, I don't want to be doing more English than what I'm supposed to but if that's what my school wants, why not make it fun for the students? I'm sure the students don't want an extra hour of English...unless it's fun!

My coteacher suggested that I introduce American music culture to the students with dancing and singing. Great idea except for the fact that my talents lie nowhere near what she suggested. All in all, they are giving you an opportunity to do whatever you want. Make the best out of it unless you really want to teach another class of English. I'd rather have PE.

buildbyflying · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:59 pm Post subject:

What are your interests?
I did a course on marketing and it was a blast. I did another for film making.
Projects are a great way get students actively involved, and from there it's just a matter of implementing the goals you want to accomplish.

reactionary · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: korreia

i still dont really know how much leeway i have. the three possible topics i was given were 'pop songs,' roleplay, and debate. Pop songs was said to be a poor choice because it won't prepare the students well for the English contest, so I guess that leaves me with roleplay or debate.

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

role play. Seriously. Unless you want to go crazy hearing 'because funny' a billion kajillion times.

There are a few role-play books series that have cassette tapes which will make your life very easy. Kim and Johnson bookstore: http://www.helloknj.com/

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Negotiate the syllabus.

Go in there and ask / find/ feel what they want to learn or learn by. Make something up if the higher uppers want something in writing beforehand.

I suggest Korean topics. Korean anything. Also, get THEM making the content - the handouts, the exercises, the games (but you provide the framework for each). Students will learn so much more if they have ownership and feel they are learning through their peers.

Don't forget karaoke! So many teachers here on Dave's have made and contributed to our library and it is an amazing tool for after school especially. I'll have to make a write up to detail the history of my own involvement (since 1998) and those of others who have done such great stuff.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com