Korean Job Discussion Forums

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

Yes, this as been mentioned before. Yes I have tried to search, but the function does not work.

I am teaching via SKYPE. The students are ages 11 - 15. Parents ONLY want conversation. Usually there is complete silence. They will not read, or do home work of any kind.

I will stop this in August, but for now I really can use some ideas. I am running out of them. I talk, and they say "yes". I ask questions, and they eiter say "Yes", or "I don't know".

I have tried. One hour at a time of this is not good on either side.

I have said, "Tell me about..............." Do/did you ever.............
What do you do when,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Etc.

I hope thaat some one has an idea. Thanks guys.

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

Sorrry guys, I found the thread. I just am having a lot of problems these days with it.I have "gotten rid" of 2 people so far. The rest of the students LIKE THIS, and that is what I find quite strange. At this point I can use the money, so I am doing it.As I said, one more month to go.

jmadtownweb · Joined: 13 Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin

don't ask them questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no answer, it makes for dull conversation.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

I seen a fair amount of video-conference teaching from the students' perspective. In order for it to be effective, you need to either have the most engaging personality in the world, or be incredibly attractive and teaching the right age group. ie: most of the time it is a complete waste of time.

That said: you are little more than a talking head - and a virtual one at that. Be very expressive. Emote emote emote! Try playing word games and get into it. Presumably you are in another country? Show them something interesting from yours. Emphasize interactivity: try and convince them they're doing something other than just watching an incredibly boring TV program. And let's face it: compared to actual TV, you are boring. No special effects and no gorgeous, scantily clad people.

I digress.

Try something like word chains where you say a word starting with A, then the next student with B and so on until someone messes up. See how long you can keep it going. It's not much of a conversation, but it's better than "Yes", "No" and "I don't know."