Korean Job Discussion Forums

[harryh]

Currently I'm working at a Hagwon which I believe isn't doing well. Losing students.......

There have been three new Hagwons open up in town in recent times, so competition is hot. IMHO there are too many Hagwons in a relatively small town (maybe 13).

'Apparently' some parents have complained that their children aren't improving their English. This, infact, I'd agree with. Why?

Well, in my opinion:

The books for speaking classes are in general, woeful. Primarily, far too easy for the level of the students. For example, I HAVE TO teach 'This is... That is..... to students who studied this form, over six months ago.

Of course they aren't going to improve.

Unfortunately, the teacher isn't allowed to deviate from the text book.
No games or 'activities.

Also, with two classes,I have to use Headway Elementary and Headway Pre-Intermediate. Great! It's better than the other books I have to use.

But, WE HAVE TO complete the whole book in a given timescale.

What is the timescale? 16 hours of class time. Impossible. When I worked in Europe, these text books were used as a core text book from September to May, of course with supplementary materials along the way.

So, to my main point, in addition to being constantly watched by theDOS and owner on cameras in the classroom, the DOS has decided that he will observe classes in person, to "see how the students get on, and check on teachers techniques".

The DOS never consults the foreign teachers about the classes, just the korean teachers.

I believe that the observations could be constructive ie: feedback on how to improve things, but I fear other things, as the contract hasn't been kept to.On two occasions the owner has tried to change my contract (to his advantage, and the changes were in breach of korean labor laws).

At the end of the day, these observations are just causing the teachers more stress (three korean, two foreign).

In my opinion, students learn more in a relaxing and to a certain degree, fun atmosphere.

For the record, I've been teaching for seven years, in three different countries.

I don't, for one minute, say I'm an 'expert' teacher, but I have a TEFL certificate, always try to improve my teaching, through books and internet resources. I also intend to do the DELTA later this year.

[riley]

Uhhhh, Okay, understand that you have a problem, now what are you going to do about it?
What I mean is, you posted something about your life and problem at work (agreed that it is a problem) but why did you post? There's no question for us, nor do you seem to be asking us for help or an opinion. So what do you want?

[harryh]

Oops sorry.

I just wondered, if anybody else has had any negative experiences with cameras and observations?

What kind of feedback did you get back?

How did you like / dislike working at the school till the end of the contract?

Did you leave, or did you stay for another year?

How did you react, if feedback was unconstructive?

[poof]

To me, it sounds with your experience that you are too mature to put up with this kind of c-r-a-p. I would look for something else. Changed contracts, cameras, poor curriculum...It sounds as bad as it could get. How much longer do you have to go? Viz, the cameras, I would just cover them up if you don't like them. If the boss wants to see your class, then he can come in person - which is exactly what he is doing this time around. If he really cannot offer any sign of constructive feedback after the observation, then you've hit rock bottom.

[riley]

I had two places that used them. In both places, only the supervisor saw the video. The problem I had, and others had, was that the person watching has the chance to have their boss breathing down their neck. At the last place, one of my coworkers had the boss questioning every move he did.
When I was given feedback I did my best to listen to it. If I felt it was valid, I changed what I was doing. Of course, I don't know your whole situation. I don't know who's evaluating you or how they evaluate you.
As for having them in the class, if I was given warning, I generally didn't mind.

[harryh]

I've got four months left on this contract.

[Son Deureo!]

[jlb]

I had cameras at the last place I worked at. They projected into the lobby and so everyone, the parents, the secretary, the owners, would stand and watch what was happening in the class. One of the owners would stand and stare at the screens for hours, almost hypnotized. It made me a bit paranoid at the end, knowing that someone was probably watching almost everything I did but never really knowing when. If they came to observe my class in person, I wouldn't have really minded as much.

The most "constructive" criticism I got? You look at your watch too much. Pretty pathetic.

[Son Deureo!]