Korean Job Discussion Forums

lastat06513

I have read countless articles in Korean newspapers criticizing the amount of money being spent on English education in Korea and in the title of one article I have read, it was mentioned as a "waste" of time and money.

What do you think as English Teachers?

Do you feel that teaching English is a waste of your time and talent?

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

That's a pretty odd OP I must say. You referenced articles saying it's a waste of time for Koreans, then ask us if we think it's a waste of time for us.

For me, if I get paid, it ain't no waste of time. If I enjoy it, and improve at it, that's even better. I seek to always do my best, be prepared, and put in a sincere effort. I feel no shame about the money I get. As to whether it's valuable for the Korean students, that is up to Koreans to decide.

lastat06513 · Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:49 am Post subject:

Thanks for the response...

Actually it is meant as a double question; one question about how your students might think about learning it and another question to most of you to see how you feel about teaching it.

They are pretty much interrelated.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

I think it's compulsory, through high school and uni for two years. And hagwon kids dont really have a choice either, it's the mothers. So I don't think they probably ever stop to think about why. It's just accepted as one more thing you have to put up with as part of your rite of passage into wage earning adulthood. Some get the bug along with way, and find satisfaction in it, and go on to study on thier own, or go overseas and really solidify what they've learned. Most just cost thru doing the minimum, get a B on thier sophmore English paper, and never utter a word of English again in thier lives.

Newbie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Definitely a waste for some students. But largely beneficial to those willing to put in the effort and put aside their rabid nationalism.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

A lot of Koreans are wasting their money by not studying properly, refusing to practice outside of class.. etc. I do a good job in the classroom but I can't force these horses to drink.

I doubt that farmers will feel bad if I buy their apples and then let them rot because I was too stupid to put them in the fridge. Same deal here.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

We're making a living so I doubt you'll find many complainers.

Most English education is a waste of time for Koreans because they don't learn it right. As many complaints as you might have about learning English from one of us, we do offer a much superior curriculum than the crap taught at schools by teachers who know less English than their students. That is a waste.

Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Location: Not Korea

Absolutely! English in Korea is a business first. Actual learning only matters if the students enlist in another school.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

A lot of education is becoming a business now. MA degrees in Applied Linguistics or TEFL and MBAs are becoming pathetically easy to get into, pass and complete. I don't know how old the word "degree mill" is, but there are more and more popping up.