Korean Job Discussion Forums

jrabernethy · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

I have been reading a lot, gathering activities for language learning to make lesson plans. However, I feel like a lot of these activities are unrealistic for teaching at a Korean high-school. It seems to me like all of the good communicative language learning activities hinge on one crucial aspect: that the student, at least on some level, wants to know English.

I would say at least a good quarter of my students have zero desire to learn English (or anything for that matter). Another 50% only want to learn English for their test. Only about the top quarter of students want to learn English for English's sake. However, this top quarter ends up being left out because I feel like I have to pander to the lowest common denominator.

It seems like everyone views my class as kind of a "break time." My predecessor merely played games and gave candy, and I feel like I'm expected to do the same or they won't participate at all. It leaves me in a situation where I feel like I'm babysiting instead of teaching.

Any ideas or opinions on this situation?

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

What kind of high school? Technical high school student will be a lot less inclined to want to concentrate on English. Depending on the high school type the attitude towards the teacher can range from this person will teach and improve our students TO the teacher is just a babysitter till these kids move on.

You have to also understand Korean Education Culture. Many high school students are studying from 8:00 am to 10:00pm. So they get tired and bored with many things. Many want to study for the test and that is it. If the end they really do not want to be there.

Second, they are teenagers they are going to sullen one time and then crazy the next. They have their interests and very few of it will be English or Science or Math. It will be pop music and computer games.

In a sense your class is not a serious class. As a foreigner you are not considered somebody serious to pay attention too. In a mixed up Confucian logic you are low on the totem pole. I am not saying that is always the way it just a general attitude sometimes from students/Koreans.

My first piece of advice is develop a level of apathy. Do what you can but do not waste energy on students that will not try. Try your hardest to teach but accept you are not going to effect every student.

If you can make the class fun or interesting, but as you notice that can back fire with your students getting rowdy and lax. So you have to find that level of seriousness and fun. But of course you have to satisfy more then the students. You have to consider the parents and other teachers too. Do more games and fun activity that students love, but then the parents start to complain that Minsun is not doing well enough on his tests.

Also consider making your class a chance for the kids to relax and get a sort of break. DO some games, do some semi serious studying, you may even want to allow some kids to do other homework or studying. I let some students do that but they have to follow the general rule of shut up, do you work, and I will let you be.

Good Luck

Setaro · Joined: 08 Aug 2010

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

Sounds pretty similar to my grade 3 middle school classes. I've given up trying to get them to speak and be more active. Mainly because my dinosaur of a co-teacher doesn't give a damn just as long as he gets then through the exam. The kids sleep, talk, play with MP3 players, do homework for other classes right in front of him and he doesn't care.
I used to make an effort, but after my C/T told me that the girls 'have given up on English' so there's no point trying to make them study, I have taken his cue.

jrabernethy · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

Also keep aware of expectations. You may find that what was okay and fine may not be fine the next. More games, No Less games, more homework, no less homework.

Talk to you coteachers and ask them regularly of your job and what they want.

wishfullthinkng · Joined: 05 Mar 2010

koreans seem to fascinate about traveling more than anything else.

show them a picture of someone having a great time in a country that is obviously foreign.

then show them a picture of a korean desk jockey at his/her desk looking like they are about to commit hari-kari.

then tell them that the first picture is what happens when you learn english because it's such a universal language. then tell them that the second picture is what happens if you don't.

be sure to glare at the problem children knowingly when you are explaining the second picture.

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

The lesson material needs to be as relevant to the students as possible. Also trying to interject things that are novel is important. If the lessons aren't relevant to at least some of the things that teens are interested in you won't ever get them engaged. Some children will never be engaged with the lessons regardless and thier is nothing you can do about it.

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

High school is tough but you have to keep trying, but don't waste money on candy. Students that don't want to be motivated won't even care about candy. Students that are motivated are often dragged down by the others. One approach is to design communicative activities and then go around to each group of 5 or 6 giving the most attention to the ones that most deserve it.

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

High school is tough but you have to keep trying, but don't waste money on candy. Students that don't want to be motivated won't even care about candy. Students that are motivated are often dragged down by the others. One approach is to design communicative activities and then go around to each group of 5 or 6 giving the most attention to the ones that most deserve it.