Korean Job Discussion Forums

[beachbumNC]

Hey people,

I'll be working with adult Koreans in a couple of weeks. My meager teaching experience has been at a community college, so many of my students have been older folks going back to school, displaced workers, etc. I get along with them pretty well and all that. Is there anything I need to know about making the transition?

Thanks for any info.

[Hater Depot]

I've taught adults successfully and found it very rewarding. There are some things which they really appreciate, some that you might not expect, and if you do them you will always be popular with the students.

a) Smile. A LOT. If you can think of a reason to smile, do it. If you can't think of a reason then err on the side of caution and smile.

b) Corny jokes and overacting are often big hits especially at lower levels.

c) Put a good amount of prep time into your lessons. They can pretty easily see when you didn't.

d) Speak clearly with a big voice. I've noticed that teachers with big voices are vastly more popular than those who speak softly or mumble occasionally.

e) Memorize their names fast, and keep track of what they like and if they have kids, etc.


And last, remember that they often quit or come sporadically for reasons that have nothing at all to do with you. But the ones that like you can be very loyal and become good friends.

[beachbumNC]

Thanks Hater!

[Juregen]

I have exactly the same experience has Hater

[postfundie]

for adults.

No One and a I mean no one gives one word answers. Just giving a "Yes" and "No" answer is a perverted sin from the pits of hell developed by Satan himself. It kills most conversations faster than a loud smelly fart on a first date. Tell them no way for the love of god I'm beggin you tell them not to do it....

1. tell them that GOOD students ask questions to other students. Anybody can utter 'who, what, when, where, why and How' even a first day student.

2. tell them that they are are going to spend 80 percent of the class time speaking and that you'll spend 20 percent.

3. tell them that you'll give at least ten new words EVERY class.

4. get them talking in groups everyday. Listen to that weird crap they say and stamp it out by giving them normal expression. some one should have an electronic dictionary...if not get one...it'll have a thesaurus on it..use it

5. tell them time is money...don't waste it...


Remember...Nobody and I mean NObody comes into class just giving one word answers....if and when they do it.....say NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and repeat the full sentence back...

[beachbumNC]

Hahahaha!

I think I know what you mean. Some of my folks have been of the ancient attitude that the teacher is supposed to do all the talking and they just sit and learn. So I make them get in groups and do presentations in front of the class. They are pretty nervous about that at first, but then it seems like the whole class opens up and is ready to talk about things and have discussions...I've had classroom discussions on everything from raising children to internet dating. Do you think group projects would work with the Koreans? I want to make my classes a ton of fun; if they are having fun then that makes the teacher's job WAY easier and more enjoyable so far as I'm concerned.

[yingwenlaoshi]

Adult students are annoying.

[merkurix]

[yingwenlaoshi]

[TOMODACHI-KID]

"beachbumNC,"

If you have community college experience, don't worry, piece of cake! Just make sure you know your grammar well, since you will want to give those Korean adults a "dose" of proper English usage....

Have a good time there!!!

[beachbumNC]

Haha, thanks. I like to think I can be a Grammar Marine when the need arises.

[zappadelta]

[ChuckECheese]

I work at a test prep hagwon teaching adults.

I am constantly bombarded with grammar and idiom questions from my students and Korean teachers.

[postfundie]

Grammar Marine...Ok but I think you'll win 'em over if you use grammar more a shot gun that you pull out whenever a problem comes up. shoot it and move on to them speaking