Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iwillteachyouenglish]

Aside from teaching some computer classes, I have no experience teaching at all, ESL or otherwise. Is there a book filled with pre-made lessons I should pickup before arriving? I want to at least seem like I have a clue what I am doing (first impression is ever important).

[jrwhite82]

It doesn't have lessons, but it will offer advice on how to run your class for the first few weeks.

The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher by Harry Wong

This could be the best $20 you spend before setting foot in a classroom.

[madkisso]

I am not the original poster, but am in the same situation - no teaching experience. Thanks for the advice; I think I will pick up this book, too.

[Steve_Rogers2008]

watch as many Jack Black movies as you can.... esp. 'School of Rock.' that's pretty much how the students will expect you to be anyway.....

[Illysook]

Don't weigh yourself down with books. There are plenty of good resources on-line. Bring some card games like UNO and Apples to Apples, or maybe a game like Pictionary...but these aren't even necesssary. You can make up flash cards and any number of games as you go along.

[ttompatz]

[ddeubel]

I have sympathy, there is a lot out there but not a lot that is pointed towards and which stands out for new teachers.

Check out my bookstore. I handpicked the books because i got asked this question so much. http://eflclassroom.com/eflbooks.html Scrivner's book and Harmer's How to Teach Eng. - I recommend. The Oxford basics have great simple lessons, get the speaking one.... Look under "Teacher Training". This link too , has some books to browse/read.

Also check out Lessons in a Can on EFL Classroom - hundreds of premade materials explained and with downloads. Also the TEFL training page I made with videos and articles for each module explaining many of the basics of teaching...

Good luck.

David

[AnsanAnswers]

Do some research on lesson plan ideas and make them your own.

Also, check out sites like www.barryfunenglish.com for downloadable worksheets and powerpoints. $14.99 a year

Simon and Martina at www.eatyourkimchi.com provide a ton of free lesson plans complete with powerpoints and worksheets. Very creative lessons that your kids will love. Free, but if you like them be sure to donate to the cause.

For your first few weeks to build rapport with the kids and give yourself time to acclimate you can focus on introducing yourself. Make a powerpoint with information about yourself; where your from, your hobbies, music you like, height, blood type (yes, they love to know your blood type), video games you play, etc. The more interactive you can make it with photos, music, clips of movies or tv shows will always capture their attention and help you seem really cool in their eyes.

I would also recommend bringing things to pass around the class. I brought some postcards from my home, currency, driver's license, passport and some souvenirs. The kids loved to see what your life is like.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[nomad-ish]

the internet is your best bet. you can download powerpoint games and lessons from ddeubel's site. i believe it's on esnips (i'm not on the office computer right now, so i don't have the link for you... hopefully someone will post it). it's a great site.

that should get you started. also think about what rules you want to have in the class and an introduction class for the kids. maybe make a powerpoint for those too.

you can always buy an ESL book once you get over here in the foreign language section of the bigger bookstores.

[funkyj]

I am glad someone posted this as there are some useful links and suggestions. I have experience teaching English Literature and Language Arts to grades 7-12 but have absolutely no idea how to teach ESL. I have been considering switching it up and teaching in Korea for a while. I just wonder where to begin as I feel like it is a TOTALLY different experience (with the exception of the same classroom management issues).

One thing I learned as a new teacher and I would suggest to others is that you need to let students know, and show them, that you genuinely care for and value them as individuals. This sets the tone for an environment of trust, support, connection, and eventually respect.

[jvalmer]

Read all the books you want, but in the end you won't know until you've taught some classes. The first few months might be hell, but if you survive that then you're controlling the class pretty well. As for actual student learning, that takes longer.

[madkisso]

[Troglodyte]