Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kvamme]

Hello,
I've been teaching middle school classes at my hakwon without a textbook for the past 2 months. Normally I'm ok, but it seems that most of the good students have slowly migrated to other "academies" and most of the ones that are left are the ones with ADHD or the ones whom aspire to be gang members.
-Back on topic-
After constant complaining from me and another foreign teacher (who just left) we were finally given the go ahead on using a speaking book, but we have to choose our own. Since the other teacher's gone it's fallen on my back. I've taught using a few middle school speaking books but never felt like they were very useful. Do you guys know of any books that you liked teaching? I would also accept recommendations for books that you didn't mind teaching as well..

[wesharris]

Harry Potter <any>
1984
Fahrenheit 451

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

Oh have I got the book for you!

I teach at a public middle school. I literally had no curriculum, no goals set for me, nothing. I asked them if I could order a book series called Side-by-Side, and happily they bought it for me (I was willing to pay with my own money for the convenience!)

Pros:
-colorful
-organized well
-helpful for teachers that understand grammar (each chapter clearly delineates the grammatical structures being used)
-has sections that focus on pragmatics, pronunciation, stress, and other aspects of *natural* English speech
-all in English
-good workbooks

Cons:
-the exercises can get a tad repetitive if you don't break them up with other activities (I do a review game at the end of every chapter, worksheets at the beginning of every class, and I sprinkle various games and group activities throughout the chapter)
-can be too difficult for very low-level students
-The teacher's guide/audio CD's cost A FORTUNE, so you need to be able to plan the lessons and create listening questions on your own.

Here's the website: http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/marketing/sidebyside/index.html

You can look at sample chapters, teacher's guides, etc.

Btw, in order to avoid breaking the bank, I don't expect all the students to get copies of the book. Instead, I scan it and make PPTs out of it. This way I can also adjust it to their level and my interests. As for the workbook, I make photocopies and use them as worksheets. Illegal in the US, maybe, but hey - that's why I love Korea.

You can get them online (Amazon etc.), and I know my school ordered them in Korea so you might want to ask your school about that.

Hope this helps!

[ddeubel]

We have the Side by Side basic book on EFL Classroom 2.0, in ppt (Reise - maybe you could share yours there? That'd be super and help many teachers).

Get them by hitting the RESOURCES tab and then Instructional PPTs.

I "cut my teeth" on Side by side when I was first teaching and I'd make it communicative by photocopying a page and cutting it up into individual pictures. Target language on the board and practiced then we'd go around using our picture to speak to others on our feet. Once finished a dialogue, change papers with that person then find a new partner.

Nunan has a nice book - Go for It - of course though expensive, Interchange is the basic , go to book.

Cheers,

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[kvamme]

Thanks for your recommendations! I'm going to ask the school to get a preview copy of Side by Side and hopefully we can order some!

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

kvamme, let me know how it works out for you!

ddeubel, are you sure I won't get in trouble posting the PPTs online? They're almost straight from the book, pictures and all. I don't want no copyright police tracking me down in SoKo after all...

[ddeubel]

Reise,

My opinion and belief (that I don't just talk but walk), is that education has "fair use" of material. I always tell publishers and also urge all teachers to purchase the books if they so desire. Contrary to much "mythology" , when it comes to education - online sharing actually increases purchase of "quality" materials.

Further, I don't put anything "new" on the site for sharing. Side by side has made tons on money and publishers shouldn't have "eternal" rights. Knowledge and the benefit of society should take precedence once "money" enough money has been made.

But the arguments are long to elaborate. In short, no you won't have any cyber cops knocking on your door! The mild heat that comes, I take (happily) for the benefit of teachers and helping classrooms.

If you want, just put up anonymously on a site like http://posterous.com and I'll download and post. Job done.

Like you, it took me a long long time to shake the enculturation of intellectual proprietary enslavement. Really.

Cheers,

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

ddeubel, what a beautifully well-reasoned argument. I'm of like mind with you when it comes to intellectual property. Anyway. I will look into uploading those today.