Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Len8]

Just curious, but with the low teaching load and all what do most of you do between your university classes during your 12 to 18 hour a week stints? I know many do privates, and others are enrolled in advanced TESL courses, but do any of you do other things.

I am asking around about sitting in on some of the computer courses offered for the regular students, and I also spend a lot of time in the art department as I get a lift watching them do there stuff. Use the gym too.

[JennyJJ]

Though it is really a four-day week for me - it is still quite a busy schedule. I do 16 hours this semester, but that is with four different courses. One of which I create materials for as I couldn't find a decent textbook that was appropriate for the course. I would guess that most professors who care about the quality of their work spend a fair amount of time in preparation, testing marking recording, and there is a constant stream of students in and out of my office. My students are assigned a lot responsibilty for "conversation" courses and often need assistance getting ready. Writing course students do a lot of homework that needs careful reading. Other couses have their own demands as well.

There really is more to it than just run in and out of school - if one wishes to do a quality job. Right now, I am working on materials for NEXT semester, writing a textbook with another teacher for the writing course (published a writing textbook and another book last year) - and all of these books are directed straight at the needs of my current students. These things take some serious time - and include weekends and my one free "work day" of the week.

I don't wish to say that I work any harder than the standard hogwan teacher, but while the number of "classroom hours" are smaller - there are other demands that tend to balance the scorecard. Well, except during the long vacations . . . Then I hang on tropical islands (all the while thinking of EFL stuff of couse - ha ha ha ha).

Uh, so, in the end - I take it easy on the weekends - go out to eat, visit friends where we regularly play a variety of games, go singing, etc.

[Len8]

Our professors don't seem to care too much about the students, so we aren't pushed to do a lot of extra work. Have talked to the other foreign language professors, and they have said the same thing about their Korean professors.

Some English major students have actually complained to us about the poor spoken English of the Korean Professors. We say nothing of course, because that's a no no. Often feel though that those who can't speak English very well should go to a hogwan. Myabe not in their home cities, but elsewhere. This is a big bone of contention amongst the Korean Professors who were educated abroad, and who speak English well.

We all wont to use the " Interchange" series, because it's what's used in the hogwans, but they change the book every year. Pain in the arse.

Wondering about getting the English students to do an English drama for all the other students. Maybe organize a speach festival.

[desultude]

I am 18 hours in the classroom. I spend at least that much time on prep and correcting. I teach writing, so there is a lot of the latter. This semester I also have 8 hours a week overtime, plus the requisite prep.

I do know some university teachers who do no prep and very little correcting. Thats their choice.

I appreciate mostly the long vacations. And If I were in a hogwan, I am sure I would be preparing, also. So, in the end, my hours are still less than in an institute, but not a mere 18 a week.

(edited once for spelling)

[Corporal]

[desultude]

[the_beaver]

Similar to Desultude, I prep and do other class-related stuff for about one hour per hour of class time.

I'm also studying for an MA (online), reading tons, exercising, and generally filling every free minute.

[Medic]

I have friends who have attended korean classes in computers, computer languages in between their university classes. they had their students show them how to get on to the compilers and away they went

[simulated stereo]

I go to the gym, I read a lot, and I play loud music in my house.