Korean Job Discussion Forums

[air76]

I teach at a very small university...as in so small that between the two semesters you damn near teach every kid on campus.

At any rate, this year I am teaching a class that was one of my favorites from last year, meaning that it's the exact same class with the exact same kids....but 3 weeks into the semester I've noticed that we're not having nearly as much fun as last year and the students are generally not enthusiastic and aren't participating in class like they did when they were freshman.

So, I asked them yesterday what was going on. I said, "You guys were so energetic and enthusiastic last year. You were one of my favorite classes last year and I was really looking forward to teaching you again this year because we had so much fun last year. What's going on? What has changed?"

...and then one of the girls said "You gained weight."

[eamo]

Yep. Even being chubby here is seen as a really sad kind of disability.

Never ever underestimate how important appearances are in Korea. Here, a book is judged by its cover!

[.38 Special]

In order to fully understand the gravity of this observation......... have you gained weight?

[Spike]

That. is. awesome.

Good job fatty! made me chuckle.

[oldfatfarang]

Toward the end of last year some of my lovely little 1st year middle school girls were becoming pretty cheeky in class.

I asked them: "What's up?" They said: "You've changed. You look old and you smell."

Hmmmmmmmm.

[carpetdope]

[djsmnc]

[Janny]

This is a perfect example of why I hate Korea and feel sorry for Korea at the same time.

[Cerberus]

[pkang0202]

[Bloopity Bloop]

[Unposter]

I don't know your students and I don't know you and I don't know what goes on in your classroom so please take this for what it is worth but it might not be your weight but your energy and enthusiasm for the class; your expectations might be too high. It is not easy to teach the same kids for more than a year (especially if it is essentially the same material but just a "higher" level). They know all your tricks and you know theirs; Imagine dating someone for so long; sometimes its great and you think you could spend the rest of your life with someone, but often you just get bored and you are ready to move on. Maybe, you and your students are just moving on.

Try changing the routine, the materials, your approach...anything to breathe new life into the class...or not...it is just a suggestion.

That said it has been my experience that Koreans, especially young students, can be very superficial. I have heard from countless students that they have a good teacher. When I asked them why? The answer is often, teacher is handsome or teacher is beautiful. I have almost never heard a student say the teacher teaches well and that goes for Korean teachers as well as FTs.

But, despite their public superficiality, I have found that Korean students really do appreciate good teaching; teaching that gets them excited and motivated to learn.

Ever stick your foot in your mouth? Or not say exactly what you wanted to say to someone? I have. Your student might have too. Shake things up a bit. It might help.

[ashland]

[air76]

I was planning on coming to class today with a pillow stuffed under my shirt to make me look properly fat...and then I'd warn the class that today's lesson might be a little boring as I'd plumped up a bit over night...but then I forgot the pillow. Maybe I'll scrounge around and find something make-shift that will do the trick.

In response to some of the comments/questions:

1. Yes, I have put on a few KGs, but that wasn't the point. I wasn't denying that I had indeed gained weight, just that I had to laugh when told that this was the reason given for the drop in enthusiasm in the class.

2. I agree that teaching a class for 2 straight years would become monotonous...but I taught these kids Spring semester last year, so it's been 8 months since the last time I taught them so I don't think that is the issue.

3. My lack of enthusiasm or boredom with the same material aren't issues either...the reality is that it's still a good class, just that last year it was a GREAT class, one that I really enjoyed and actually wanted to go teach.

4. I fully realize that people say things without thinking and wish they'd put their foot in their mouth. I am not upset with the student, nor will I hold it against her.

Anyhow...I wasn't looking for weight loss tips or advice on sprucing up my classroom or raising the level of enthusiasm, I just wanted to share the story as I thought it was hilarious.

[ashland]