Korean Job Discussion Forums

[skinhead]

I've just finished probably the most difficult 15 week course I've ever had to endure. Student motivation at an all time low, burnout from having to tapdance for stubbornly reluctant students and pedantic admin for two years without a serious rest, and personal circumstances outside the job all conspiring to undermine my confidence as a teacher and staff member. I'm stuffed like never before. I've got five weeks of voluntary unemployment to look forward to before the course revs up again, and I plan to make the very very most of my freedom to work on some much needed self-improvement strategies. I need to make some positive changes to my attitude and demeanour as a teacher and colleague, and to do all those things that I've been putting off for the last 20 years.

First question is do you reflect on mistakes/failures in your life and find ways to 'do it better next time'? or do you say "hell wit' it, I'll get by in my own tried and tested way"? I see other teachers with bright, cheerful classes and I'm sure there must be a way for me to get some of that into my own groups.


Second question: how do you let it all go after the course is over?

After tomorrow's restaurant party (won't be a serious bender - my colleagues are mainly late middle-aged women with bouffant hairdos), I'm heading off out back for a few days alone in the dirt. I camp, hike, stargaze and burn deadwood. It's cheap and available and, being a country boy, long overdue.

What d'you do?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

After last semester I got the hell out of Dodge and went to Thailand, which was basically one big bender. It was great but by the time March rolled around I was really eager to do some real teaching again. I'm just wrapping up what's been another very satisfying semester and will look forward to some relaxing and perhaps more sober weeks in Canada.