Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Whistleblower]

Some of the old timers may remember me a few years ago. I returned back to the UK after three half years teaching in Korea. Since returning and teaching back in the UK, I've used the Phonemic Chart more within class. I know in Korea I didn't use it that much but I feel that it's an important tool rarely used in class.

So my question is; do you use the Phonemic Chart in class? How and why? If not, why not?

Do you think pronunciation is often disregarded as grammar is often relied upon for most classes in Korea? What is the students' priority for learning English (exam, job, promotion, communication, travel, etc)?

So many questions but I look forward to the discussion. Please feel to contribute.

[liveinkorea316]

Yeah I have found that student could make most of the sounds on the phonemic chart, and when they need to find the correct pronunciation from a dictionary they can make it. But they often mispronounce words because they are too lazy to check the pronunciation when they go for the meaning.

I give them tasks to decipher sentences I have translated wholly into Phonemic script. Sometimes it is a song. Then we go through the answer.

[Whistleblower]

[Geumchondave]

this was more or less mandatory practice when I was working in the UK, but I don't think my students would be motivated enough to learn it, did you teach the chart in class? if so how did it go? i've not tried it yet - was considering something to do at the winter camp for the more interested students to help with their pronunciation

More generally do you consider it to be greatly more effective then just drilling? given the two or 3 lessons over the year that would be dedicated to making students learn the table do you think its good value for the students?