Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Thiuda]

The university that I work for is planning an English Camp this summer. Since it��s their first time putting together such a project, they��ve asked the foreign teachers for their input. I��ve come up with a few suggestions, and was wondering if any of you may have something to add?

Let me give you some information concerning the camp. There will be ca. 150 Middle- and High school students for a period of two weeks. Students will live on campus throughout the week, though on weekends they��ll be bussed home. While the curriculum is still in development, we know that they��ll be receiving some form of instruction for 12 hours a day, 09:00 to 21:00. One of the days will be dedicated level-testing and registration, another to a field trip, and a third to the farewell ��Olympics�� and party, leaving a total of 7 days of instruction. How to fill the time without overwhelming students and instructors?

My suggestions include some form of exercise everyday, to which one might attach the TPR label, and a variety of sports, plays and situational skits. A colleague suggested we use Arts & Crafts to further diversify our offering, away from traditional classroom instruction. We also discussed the possibility of using songs, chants, and musical dialogue, though the idea received a rather less than enthusiastic response from teachers because of the difficulties involved in getting the students to participate.

Has anyone attended a particularly successful camp? How was it organized, and what activities were most successful in motivating students to participate? And, of course, how would you as a teacher feel most comfortable with instructing for such extensive periods of time?