Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bobbybigfoot]

I've been working for three years in Korea and have always been supplied with the materials I am to teach. These materials have always been sub par: material thrown together by people whose first language is not English.

Today I downloaded a properly written lesson plan made by a professional teacher. Then taught the hell out of it. I have to say it was invigorating. I had no idea what it's like to teach material that actually serves a purpose other than filling time and space.

Today, after three years in Korea, I felt like a teacher. And I'm exhausted.

[lukas]

[air76]

Seriously....you've been doing this for 3 years and have made zero effort whatsoever to learn how to teach? I can't believe that you have yet to go insane.

[frankly speaking]

I don't quite understand. A lesson plan is just an outline of what you need to cover that day. Which will include the purpose or objectives of the class.

The material is what you teach.

Did you have good material or a good lesson plan?

I will agree that many school in Korea especially the Public schools have crappy material. That is why most good teachers throw it out and create their own material and then supplement with activities and exercises. Whatever language point or grammar skill the curriculum states to teach, I will take that and then create my own material that is more level appropriate.

I also agree with Air, 100%

[Weigookin74]

[djsmnc]

My lessons have always come from my heart and soul, and pulled from thin air.

[Perceptioncheck]

[J Rock]

[Kaypea]

It's important to teach the main ... thing you're supposed to teach, and to have some sort of activity on hand that's easy and fun enough for everyboy. But even if neither of those work, yeah, you gotta go slow and get your co-teacher to do a lot of 'splainin.

The lesson plans as taught are rarely like the ones you submit, you know, 5 mins warm up, 10 mins lesson, then (if it's like a goofy open class) 2 15-min activities, done picture perfect, then some show-off conclusion where students demonstrate their ability to say something.

[bobbybigfoot]

Perhaps a bit of confusion with my wording: I meant I downloaded a well written lesson, with stories, activities and worksheets that were all purpose-driven.

For three years, I have been given materials to follow. It's not my place to throw them out and created my own lessons. The kids pay for these books and the parents expect them to be taught. So I do. I do my best to make them interesting, but the materials are definitely a hindrance and not a help. (I guess they are better than having nothing to work with.)

Now some are of the view that materials are secondary to "teaching skills" but I'm of the view that they go hand in hand. A great teacher will be held back by poor resources, and, similarly, a mediocre teacher will be spurred along with great resources.

I really meant to say that I had the pleasure of teaching with a great resource for the first time and it was refreshing.

[Countrygirl]

Share! What's the link to this great lesson?

I'm always on the lookout for new lesson ideas and you're just so excited...
Especially just before vacation I get lesson block and need something to jump start those creative juices.

[byrddogs]