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Open Class - Other Foreign Teachers in City Invited?

 
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snowysunshine



Joined: 06 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 6:18 pm    Post subject: Open Class - Other Foreign Teachers in City Invited? Reply with quote

My co-teacher has just told me about an open class that we have to do in which other foreign teachers in our city would be invited to come and watch. Have you done this before? It seems weird to me... but, I'm not too stressed out about it. She seems very scared, though... ? Shocked
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ttompatz



Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea

PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 6:30 pm    Post subject: Re: Open Class - Other Foreign Teachers in City Invited? Reply with quote

snowysunshine wrote:
My co-teacher has just told me about an open class that we have to do in which other foreign teachers in our city would be invited to come and watch. Have you done this before? It seems weird to me... but, I'm not too stressed out about it. She seems very scared, though... ? Shocked


It is pretty common. Don't fret over it. It is not about you, it is about your co-teacher.

Lend a hand when you can and enjoy the day when it comes... usually tea and cookies when it is done. Gives you a change to meet the other FTs in your town.
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snowysunshine



Joined: 06 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 7:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, ttompatz! That was actually my thoughts, too, that it is a good opportunity to meet other foreign teachers in my area, since I haven't yet. Smile

I'm not stressing about it, but I think that really makes my co-teacher uneasy. She keeps talking about why I should be stressing out. She says there may be a debate after the open class with the other teachers, which I suggested may be more of a discussion than a debate, but she's pretty adament that it can be a debate. My thoughts are that ther teachers shouldn't be tearing each other down, sure offering suggestions is fine, but debating on different things?

Personally, I'd be more stressed out about an open class with parents, than with other teachers. Smile
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salgichawa



Joined: 18 Mar 2010

PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 7:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

snowysunshine wrote:
Thanks, ttompatz! That was actually my thoughts, too, that it is a good opportunity to meet other foreign teachers in my area, since I haven't yet. Smile

I'm not stressing about it, but I think that really makes my co-teacher uneasy. She keeps talking about why I should be stressing out. She says there may be a debate after the open class with the other teachers, which I suggested may be more of a discussion than a debate, but she's pretty adament that it can be a debate. My thoughts are that ther teachers shouldn't be tearing each other down, sure offering suggestions is fine, but debating on different things?

Personally, I'd be more stressed out about an open class with parents, than with other teachers. Smile



Hi There,

These things can go a long way towards professional development for your co teacher...so they might prefer to use their ideas for the plan.

There can also be a question and answer/ discussion time. It would only potentially turn into a debate if there was a burning topic to be given or discussed, or a point people disagree on. The school might facilitate a debate if they choose to, but that would be different.

Receiving feedback good and bad is part of the process for everyone.
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swinewho



Joined: 17 Aug 2009

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

They will prob stick multiple cameras in your face as you teach, as well as filming you. - ask them to turn the flash off, or arrange a time when photos can be done, ie at the start or at the end!!!

At the end you, your co-teacher and your VP will sit at one table, whilst all the other K teachers and foreiners sit round you and ask you questions.

They will all be given questionnaires to fill in about the lesson, and they may even ask the kids to fill one in as well.

This does reflect upon you, as well as your co-teacher btw.

At least your school will get a good clean before everyone arrives, and the toilets may be stocked with paper and soap Smile

Just OD on coffee before you start teaching, make sure you get a copy of the DVD to send to your mates back home!

Good luck!
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Manuel_the_Bandito



Joined: 12 Sep 2009

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 1:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The purpose of these things is to put your coteacher and / or you under scrutiny. It it's you, it can give them ammunition if they don't want to renew your contract. If it's your coteacher, it will give them ammunition to screw up her career advancement. The evaluators will likely meet with your headmaster and assistant head beforehand to get their cues on whether they should give you a good evaluation or rip you apart. In many cases the NET is only planning to be at the school for a year at any rate so it really doesn't matter for them.
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snowysunshine



Joined: 06 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 1:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, seriously?

Oh man.. Now I am stressing out! I hate camera's! LOL
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wylies99



Joined: 13 May 2006
Location: I'm one cool cat!

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 1:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It can be stressful, but more so for the Korean teacher.

BTW, try to exchange contact info with the visiting foreign teachers. You probably won't have time to talk, that day, but you may gain a friend or two later on. I've met a couple of good people that way.
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jvalmer



Joined: 06 Jun 2003

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 11:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Manuel_the_Bandito wrote:
The purpose of these things is to put your coteacher and / or you under scrutiny. It it's you, it can give them ammunition if they don't want to renew your contract. If it's your coteacher, it will give them ammunition to screw up her career advancement. The evaluators will likely meet with your headmaster and assistant head beforehand to get their cues on whether they should give you a good evaluation or rip you apart. In many cases the NET is only planning to be at the school for a year at any rate so it really doesn't matter for them.


For your CT, it depends if it's a private or public school. In private schools the teacher doesn't have much in choice of advancement, other than wait around until their mid-50's for a crack at the being VP or principal.

As for the after session 'debate'. From what I've experienced, they take all the teachers to a private room and then discuss it. Little cookies and refreshments will be made available. They'll most likely praise you and give you a pat on the back, unless someone is really out to get you or your CE.
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Manuel_the_Bandito



Joined: 12 Sep 2009

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 5:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jvalmer wrote:
Manuel_the_Bandito wrote:
The purpose of these things is to put your coteacher and / or you under scrutiny. It it's you, it can give them ammunition if they don't want to renew your contract. If it's your coteacher, it will give them ammunition to screw up her career advancement. The evaluators will likely meet with your headmaster and assistant head beforehand to get their cues on whether they should give you a good evaluation or rip you apart. In many cases the NET is only planning to be at the school for a year at any rate so it really doesn't matter for them.


For your CT, it depends if it's a private or public school. In private schools the teacher doesn't have much in choice of advancement, other than wait around until their mid-50's for a crack at the being VP or principal.

As for the after session 'debate'. From what I've experienced, they take all the teachers to a private room and then discuss it. Little cookies and refreshments will be made available. They'll most likely praise you and give you a pat on the back, unless someone is really out to get you or your CE.


If it's a private school and the CT is new, it could possibly impact their chances of tenure, although test scores and how they get along with their colleagues will matter much, much more. If it's a tenured teacher at a private school it won't mean anything for them.
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jvalmer



Joined: 06 Jun 2003

PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Manuel_the_Bandito wrote:
jvalmer wrote:
For your CT, it depends if it's a private or public school. In private schools the teacher doesn't have much in choice of advancement, other than wait around until their mid-50's for a crack at the being VP or principal.

As for the after session 'debate'. From what I've experienced, they take all the teachers to a private room and then discuss it. Little cookies and refreshments will be made available. They'll most likely praise you and give you a pat on the back, unless someone is really out to get you or your CE.


If it's a private school and the CT is new, it could possibly impact their chances of tenure, although test scores and how they get along with their colleagues will matter much, much more. If it's a tenured teacher at a private school it won't mean anything for them.


Private school CT's will probably be a little worried about being renewed another year. Private schools these days are reluctant to give new teachers tenure, because of the dwindling number of students. But the school is allowed to keep them for about 3 years, after that they either have to keep them as tenure teachers or let them go.
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swinewho



Joined: 17 Aug 2009

PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 2:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Although these sorts of classes have been going on for ages, this year the KOREAN TEACHERS, in PS have suddenly become far more accountable.

By this I mean every teacher is now evaluated, and given a 'score' based on obs lessons, class results, pupil feedback and parent feedback. This affects their career...., far more so than in previous years.

So yes, your Co-teacher will be extra stressed! But, again this reflects on you, to a point as much, esp if the foreigners that will be watching you have never met you before!

(besides the fact that I'd like to think that you would be doing the best for your pupils!)

In general, esp elem school they put emphasis on material looking 'nice' ect........... Which I can understand, to a point!

When I had my evaluation, and one K teacher said my 'resources' were not pretty enough (although my K is crap, I got the tone). I pointed out that my students English was far superior over said persons students - and then MADE the local board of education 'English specialist' translate it to said person......... Shocked - substance over style ect....

Not necessarily a good idea, unless you have the ammo to back it up + A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SCHOOL + TEACHERS! - Otherwise you will be thrown under the bus!

But don't be afraid to speak out if you feel you are being hard done by during your evaluation! But there are ways of doing it, you can be subtle or not! - follow the lead of your co-teacher and VP, don't spout off ' this is BS **** you ect - bad idea, for you and your school!!!!

Work with your co-teacher to 'plan' the lesson - their lesson plan will be very, very 'traditional' (I�m guessing) - push to make it more! - Just don't push too far! - It all depends on your imagination and your co-teachers stubbornness!
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