Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FastForward]

what are your thoughts about sitting down when teaching? I like to sit down when it's a small class of younger learners, so I can be at eye level and not seem like a giant to them. It also kills my back if I have to bend down 30 times per class for 5 hours a day.

For bigger classes and older learners I like to stand up and teach, since I'm using he Board more. If the elementary class only has 3-4 students I like to sit down as well. Our class room desks are set up in a horseshoe design.

My director told me I should stand for every class and never sit down. I don't agree with this.

[Fox]

I almost never sit down. If I'm explaining something to an individual student and the desk next to him is empty, I might briefly sit on that desk while I talk to him, and if I've got an activity that involves everyone sitting in a big circle, I might sit down in the circle and participate, but otherwise I'm standing.

[FastForward]

[schwa]

[PigeonFart]

Whatever about the teaching effectiveness aspect, STANDING while teaching is much better for your health.
Teaching is way too sedentary. Get up off your *** and walk around as much as possible! It could add years to your life.

[Rutherford]

I only sit if it's a group of 5 or so students and we can sit at a table or make the desks into a circle. Feels more intimate. Otherwise always standing.

[nicwr2002]

If it's man to man then I'll sit down because otherwise it's awkward to me. Especially if you are teaching in a small room. Any other time I'm standing and walking around.

[kingplaya4]

Don't concern yourself with what the director says, he's not going to have to look at the varicose veins you develop from being glued to one spot like a statue for eight hours for 2 million or 3 million won a month. If it's a big classroom you can really walk around in, your call, but if its one of those tiny rooms, I definitely wouldn't.

Just tell the director this isn't possible and use whatever excuse you think will work best be it teaching pedagogy or physical ailment.

[hogwonguy1979]

did a little bit of everything while I was teaching, sitting usually though on top of a desk since I'm so tall and I didn't want to be as imposing to the students. Standing (or sitting on a stool) when using a computer, on my bike walking around checking if I was doing an activity. Some days I was forced to sit because of knee problems or the day after doing a half marathon when my legs were toast

It all depends on what you are doing, if the boss is telling you to stand all the time try and explain how the activity dictates what you do

[kabrams]

[hogwonguy1979]

Good point Kabams, if the class is sitting in a circle, I will likely be sitting at or on my desk primarily to make them feel more comfortable and less intimidated as I'm a big person. I feel that if I'm more at their physical level that will encourage them to speak up participate. Got to make it a less intimidating environment for them

[Kwangjuchicken]

I sometimes like to fly around the classroom.

[Died By Bear]

If you stand, you'll burn more calories.

[EZE]

I always stand, unless it's a one on one lesson.

[Kwangjuchicken]