Korean Job Discussion Forums

[butlerian]

Any of you guys teach about the social sciences (in English) at a university in Korea? I'd be interested to hear/exchange ideas if possible.

[Unposter]

Yes, I have. It does not have to be that different than teaching English. Social science subjects have specific vocabulary, readings, discussion questions...you can even role play concepts and conversations related to your topic...you get the idea.

The biggest problem is finding materials that are appropriate to their skill level. This in my experience is the real trick.

If they are truly advanced students then it is not such a big deal. But if they are intermediate (or worse basic) masquerading as advanced students, you can be in trouble.

First of all, you need to quickly assess what their level(s) is/are.

You may want to find middle school or early high school (as in back home) reading material (related to your topics) for them.

If there are a lot of different levels, divide them into groups and provide seperate material to them.

Work on note taking skills with them. You may want them to keep a notebook and then have them turn it in occasionally and see what they really understand from your class. Give them some clues and insight into how to determine what is important to write down and what isn't.

Make them research topics and give presentations (teach the class). It will save you some prep time but the cost is grading and commenting on their papers and presentations.

You may want to checkout websites and books on ESP (English for Specific Purposes). I am sure you can find many insights there.

And remember, the more you teach content, the easier it will become. It is almost like teaching yourself.