Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teachingld2004]

Today I had a revelation of sorts. I think I will be more understanding because of this. One of my students lives next door to me. He is so bright and funny, but he is lazy. (grade 5) He understands most things, and gives great answers, yet he cant find the words at times. That is certainly OK, cause as long as he tries, i'm thrilled. Rarely does his homework, and I hardly give any, but to his credit most of the students don't do home work iether. He always says, "no time". I say this shouldnt take more then 10 minutes tops, but it does not get done. ANyway, he has an older brother. He always tells me how smart he is, and what a good student he is. I have heard piano playing comming from that apartment, and he said his brother plays piano. I said he is incredable/ Well, today I saw the 2 of them and the mother comming home, and I asked the brother how come he dosent play piano anymore, cause I love it, and he is so great. He said his brother (my studet) is much better. I said "really?" and the mother (who speaks no english, but the sons translated) told me to come in and he would play somethig. I said "really?" My student said "o.k.". I could not believe my ears, he was incredable. I watched those fingers fly and the music was beautiful. He said thanks (shyly) and showed me all these awards. Now I have had this student for over a year, and he never told me this. I ask the kids questions all the time, do u play an instrument, and he said piano a little.
Well, I realized that he dows not have time to do english hw, and even 10 minutes is too much. Do today I vowed to give homework once a week and give them the whole week to do it. These kids come to english schools, mostly becaause their parents want them to, not because they want to. ANd their behavior is not good at times, but after teaching in Brooklyn, my worst day here is still better then my best day home.

[Real Reality]

Kids' Internet addiction worsens
Addictive Internet use by the nation's children has gotten worse, based on a nationwide survey of 2,000 primary, middle, and high school students by the Korea Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion.
About 23 percent of the respondents were found to be addicted to the Net, it said.
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200307/09/200307090134097509900090409041.html

University researchers claim almost a third of South Koreans are addicted to the internet.
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_495606.html?menu=news.technology

Want a Better Job? Survey Says Learn English
More than half of Korean company employees find that they are unable to get a better job due to poor English skills.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200307/200307310001.html

Samsung to Give Job Interviews in English
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200308/200308050003.html

Seoul to Institute English Job Interviews
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will introduce an English interview when recruiting new officials and give advantages to those with superior English skills in promotion, officials said on Thursday.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200312/kt2003120417572911950.htm

Piano-maker to be Sold off Soon
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200206/200206070009.html

According to a recent survey, as many as 90 percent of Korea's youth think they live in a country that's corrupt, and a considerable number of them say they're ready to join the club if the occasions calls for it later in life.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200310/200310080034.html