Korean Job Discussion Forums

[GreyRabbit]

I was wondering, does anybody bring their own teaching materials (pictures, props, workbooks, etc.)? Do the schools provide that and you just work with what you have?

What about printing capabilities? Or is that kinda hit-or-miss?

Are you given a general curriculum? Or do you make your own? Including lesson plans? Are you expected to turn in lesson plans?

Thanks!!

[jrwhite82]

Hagwons - Most schools provide you with everything you need. You might be required to design some worksheets and stuff like that, but you probably will need to see what lessons you're planning for before you do it.

Public Schools - Most schools provide you with a text book. It is your job to make a lesson and unit that will teach the objectives. So all the materials besides the textbook you will need to make or find.

It really depends on the school and that is a good question to ask during the interview process.

For me, I have a couple of binders full of graphic organizers, tried and true grammar worksheets, crosswords, word searches, etc., that I brought with me. All of this stuff I have downloaded, copied or created along the way. No sense in reinventing the wheel. I use it for backup activities if my pacing is off or to reinforce lessons and as review. If you have room in your bag, you can bring something similar, but don't go out and purchase stuff before you get here and know what exactly you'll be doing.

As for printing, it can be hit or miss. Most places should have at least a BW copier/printer. Especially if you are required to make your own materials, I'd imagine they would have resources available to do that. If a school wants me to create a lot of content, but doesn't have a copier...I probably would pass on the job. I'm not spending my free time AND money making copies for the school.

For the curriculum: Most hagwons have a book series that you will follow. Most PS will have you follow the national text books and curriculum guide that comes with it. But some don't, in which case you have to make up your own. If it is your first time teaching, you'd probably be better off in a place with an established curriculum. The structure will make it much easier for you to plan and teach.

For lesson planning: I'd say for Hagwons its split fairly evenly. Some hagwons don't require any, some require a lesson plan submitted. This is another good question to ask on the interview. It might even be described in your contract. For public school, most schools will require lesson plans to be submitted. This will be explained and "taught" to you during orientation.

Edit: This info is relevant to elementary and middle in my experience.

[Hotpants]

Depends what age group you're gonna be teaching ...

Assuming youngsters, I would suggest:

A pile of really fun easy-to-follow English story books that you can grab from a discount book store - Korean schools are always short of decent books; reading a story to the whole class to fill in time is usually a big captivator - if you have inspiring reading material, all the better

A couple of music CDs - nursery rhymes for really young ones; some phonics stuff; and then action/TPR songs for slightly older ones; classic pop songs for teens

A movie or two for end of term 'video'/killing time classes

(Maybe) A bag of candy or snacks that they can't find in Korea as rewards for good behavior

As for worksheet activities, source them online

As for stationery, Korea has a lot of decent, inexpensive stationery shops available in every neighborhood


Ultimately, I'd say it's not your responsibility to pay for materials that should really be provided by a school. The schools all get money from the students, so they could spend it on resources if they wanted. Always push your employers to get you things you need for the classroom.

[NohopeSeriously]

[GreyRabbit]

Thanks all! I really, really appreciate the input!

[Troglodyte]