SEOUL, South Korea - Korean kids, as you already know, are mandated, if not forced, by their parents to learn English (one of the other things they must learn while they are young.) It's a funny reality that Korean children speak better English than their parents. English is a universal language. And in order to fulfill a Korean dream to be a fluent English speaker, parents hire the most efficient, most knowledgeable , and cheapest-to-pay English tutors.
I have become one of them (teachers) from 2008 to 2012. That's four straight years of having eye to eye contact with Koreans. I did online based tutorials and man-to-man classes. During those years, I learned a lot of things about the nature of teaching Koreans -- other than learning the Korean language.
Here are some useful tips that may help you.
1. Win your student's heart first
That's the first thing you must always think of. No matter how smart you are, no matter how cute you are, no matter how experienced you may be, if your Korean student doesn't like you -- then you may pack your bags now. Although kids are primarily attracted to good-looking teachers, most of them still stick with an ordinary looking teacher simply because they like them. These kids are picky. One of the English sentences they would probably learn is "I don't like Teacher Jed!"
So for you to be a likeable teacher to a kid's view, don't show your diplomas, your certificates nor your college grades, these kids do not care at all! What you needed to do, is to try to please them. You must make them feel like you are more of their friend. Be friendly. Try to play games as ice-breakers. First impression lasts, right? Treat them like your little brother or sister. Love them like your son or daughter. And I am sure as soon as you become friends, teaching them would not be a pain in the ass.
2. Associate games in learning
This is one thing Korean parents do not like. Hearing the word "game" makes them feel robbed. Learning should not always be a serious matter. These are kids we are dealing with, not college students. But even college students need to have fun once in a while. You learn in a school subject better if it is your favorite subject, right? And why is it your favorite? Because the subject topics are interesting for you. And if you are interested, you learn quickly. Children are the same. They are interested in playing games--that's a reality. So for you to effectively execute your teaching ability better, insert FUN.
How?
First thing I advise is to stop saying the word 'game.'
"Ok, before we start the lesson, let's play a game!" No. That excites them. And when you move on, that's the end of it.
Better: "Let's start our lesson! Our lesson for today is adjectives. Can you complete the sentence? One point for you if you got it right and one point for me if you are wrong. 'Harry Potter is ______!' ....." You see the point now? It makes them interested throughout the session because they unconsciously wait for the game in the lessons without you telling them.
3. Implement a Reward Points System (RPS)
Reward Points System (RPS)? What is that? Well, I made that up. But basically, it works like this. It's like rewarding your students a small token or gift, depending on the points that they earned in a specific period. If your company lets you give small gifts to your students, then you'll be fine.
Example: Each day, Lisa will earn points based on her performance.
0 = Not good.
1 = Good
2 = Very good
3 = Outstanding
On Friday (which is usually the gameday,) she can win items based on the added points she earned throughout the week.
0-2 = Nothing
2-4 = 1 piece candy
5-8 points = Spongebob pencil
9-12 points = Hello Kitty notebook
Now, if your company prohibits any kinds of gifts to students, then you may replace it with certificates or any forms of recognition that can be shown to the students' parents. This reward system encourages the students to study. This is also a way to tell them that studying is not always hardships but it is also rewarding.
That's all for now.
I may update it in the future because I am sure most tips--especially about teaching techniques--are found online.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.. :)
Kamsahamnida! (Korean for Thank you!)
Call Me Jed™ (cc) 2013. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Philippines License.
I have become one of them (teachers) from 2008 to 2012. That's four straight years of having eye to eye contact with Koreans. I did online based tutorials and man-to-man classes. During those years, I learned a lot of things about the nature of teaching Koreans -- other than learning the Korean language.
Here are some useful tips that may help you.
1. Win your student's heart first
That's the first thing you must always think of. No matter how smart you are, no matter how cute you are, no matter how experienced you may be, if your Korean student doesn't like you -- then you may pack your bags now. Although kids are primarily attracted to good-looking teachers, most of them still stick with an ordinary looking teacher simply because they like them. These kids are picky. One of the English sentences they would probably learn is "I don't like Teacher Jed
So for you to be a likeable teacher to a kid's view, don't show your diplomas, your certificates nor your college grades, these kids do not care at all! What you needed to do, is to try to please them. You must make them feel like you are more of their friend. Be friendly. Try to play games as ice-breakers. First impression lasts, right? Treat them like your little brother or sister. Love them like your son or daughter. And I am sure as soon as you become friends, teaching them would not be a pain in the ass.
 |
| A student I am so attached with. He is Won Mo. |
2. Associate games in learning
This is one thing Korean parents do not like. Hearing the word "game" makes them feel robbed. Learning should not always be a serious matter. These are kids we are dealing with, not college students. But even college students need to have fun once in a while. You learn in a school subject better if it is your favorite subject, right? And why is it your favorite? Because the subject topics are interesting for you. And if you are interested, you learn quickly. Children are the same. They are interested in playing games--that's a reality. So for you to effectively execute your teaching ability better, insert FUN.
How?
First thing I advise is to stop saying the word 'game.'
"Ok, before we start the lesson, let's play a game!" No. That excites them. And when you move on, that's the end of it.
Better: "Let's start our lesson! Our lesson for today is adjectives. Can you complete the sentence? One point for you if you got it right and one point for me if you are wrong. 'Harry Potter is ______!' ....." You see the point now? It makes them interested throughout the session because they unconsciously wait for the game in the lessons without you telling them.
 |
| A game with Seung Woo! |
3. Implement a Reward Points System (RPS)
Reward Points System (RPS)? What is that? Well, I made that up. But basically, it works like this. It's like rewarding your students a small token or gift, depending on the points that they earned in a specific period. If your company lets you give small gifts to your students, then you'll be fine.
Example: Each day, Lisa will earn points based on her performance.
0 = Not good.
1 = Good
2 = Very good
3 = Outstanding
On Friday (which is usually the gameday,) she can win items based on the added points she earned throughout the week.
0-2 = Nothing
2-4 = 1 piece candy
5-8 points = Spongebob pencil
9-12 points = Hello Kitty notebook
Now, if your company prohibits any kinds of gifts to students, then you may replace it with certificates or any forms of recognition that can be shown to the students' parents. This reward system encourages the students to study. This is also a way to tell them that studying is not always hardships but it is also rewarding.
 |
| Han In Jae. Sad because he might not have gotten enough points. |
That's all for now.
I may update it in the future because I am sure most tips--especially about teaching techniques--are found online.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.. :)
Kamsahamnida! (Korean for Thank you!)
Call Me Jed™ (cc) 2013. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Philippines License.