Korean Job Discussion Forums

T-dot · Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: bundang

Public schools start on march 2 (maybe just mine?).

So, what you guys gonna do in class?

Matt DuGhee · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Location: Jeollanamdo, Korea

I have only general ideas what I will be doing in school tomorrow. I've asked a few times, but I have yet to be told:

- if I have classes tomorrow
- what grades I will be seeing (assuming I have classes)

So, I'm not too sure. I had a lot of trouble last semester with students not having any idea what classroom commands like "Repeat after me" and "Take out your books" meant, so I think I will be doing that. Get them going on that, right away, because it will be easier that way (as a game, of course).

I actually just called my coteacher a few hours ago, and was told that even she did not know what was happening tomorrow, so I guess I can't expect much!

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Don't have a bloody clue what I'm doing tomorrow either.

Rteacher · Joined: 23 May 2005 Location: Western MA, USA

At my high school, I vaguely recall that the first day last year was mostly taken up by some big, passionate assembly gathering intended mostly, I guess, to generate enthusiasm and school spirit. I think there were no classes in the afternoon, and I was told I could leave early...

If there are classes scheduled tomorrow, I have a lot of stuff I can do - having been here a year and having accumulated all kinds of handouts (www.handoutsonline.com) song clozes, etc. I also gave English names to over 620 students last year, and I'll have new freshmen to do the name thing with.

Another activity I may do for starters is to hand out paper with six (or nine) numbered boxes drawn, and I'll tell them to draw their favorite hobby in #1 box, their "dream job" in box#2, their "dream house" in box#3, their favorite English word in box#4, music act/movie, etc., in boxes #6 and #7 - followed by class discussion...

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

T-dot · Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: bundang

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

You could spend a month asking each student how they're holiday was. Before you know it, it's vacation time again.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

It's March 2 today and school starts. As of now, I have not seen a schedule of any kind. No idea what or when I'll be teaching. I know some will be like last semester and we'll pick up where we left off. But what about the 'elective classes' I taught before? No idea if they will continue or be changed. On top of everything, we have a big posterior festival going on in town.

As Alfred E. said, "What me worry?"

I'm hoping we have an opening ceremony and then send the boys off to partake in the festivities and maybe then I can corner a teacher who has seen my schedule.

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

peppermint · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:53 pm Post subject:

Been here about 3 hours and still have no clue. I think classes begin tomorrow. Got a schedule, but they're still trying to sort out where the English room is actually going to be. . .

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Rteacher · Joined: 23 May 2005 Location: Western MA, USA

Well, at my high school they just had an assembly thing. They repeatedly rehearsed- starting at 10:15 - saluting the Korean flag and singing the Korean national anthem (hand on heart) led by the head music teacher until 11am when a lady from the education ministry (I think) showed up, and they did it for real. Following that, all the teachers were introduced (to short, crisp applause) and I followed suit, careful to bow first to the ministry official and principal, then to the others on stage, and lastly to the students... I was asked by the principal - who practically speaks no English - if I'd like to go to lunch with him and the lady from the ministry (who - noticing all my bowing - asked me if I was Buddhist...) but I politely begged off, showing them a list, in Hangul, of all the things I couldn't eat...

inspector gadget · Joined: 11 Apr 2003 Location: jeollanam-do in the boonies

My middle school had a ceremony welcoming the new students, no classes today or tomorrow. English classes will start on monday.

I was also asked to teach Basketball one day a week for about 14 girls that are interested in learning and playing. Should be fun, it will give me my second class on Wednesdays, yahoo.

Alyallen · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:23 pm Post subject:

I just had my first day at my new school. I walked in and was given a schedule but wasn't told what to teach. Taught from the book but half of my classes didn't bring their english book today. It was an ok day, nowhere near as hectic as my old hogwon.