TheApple

I taught English as a Second Language in South Korea for 3 years.  The culture is different, and if you really want to communicate better with your Korean students then you need to learn about their culture.  You cannot really help someone until you have walked in their shoes. 

Respect is usually given to teachers; however, I had a few experiences with disrespectful students.  Most of my students were eager to learn, and they had high respect for what I was offering them.  I did give them 110 percent.  I helped them with their college work, as well as, their office work.  Their respect grew more and more until I became a very popular teacher. 

Working as a volunteer missionary had many challenges, but I loved the challenge because I worked with people who were very appreciative. 

Koreans are very open and honest; however, respect for elders can make them seem dishonest.  In their culture the first born male, and males in general are treated with more respect.  Women would get out of their seats on the bus and give it to a male. 

I learned that I needed to ask my students three times before they would say yes if I was offering them something.  They feel like it is impolite to say yes the first time. 

How would you feel if you were not allowed to speak English?  How would you feel if you were in a different country, and forced to accept another language and another culture?  Have you ever felt unaccepted by people?  Did you cling to people that did not accept you, or did you go where you were accepted? 

If you think of this as an opportunity to broaden your perspective and learn about a new culture, and spend time getting to know all of your students better I think you will feel less stressed. 

If it is possible you might try having students free write about anything they are thinking, and if you can play a few games to help the students bond more it could work miracles.  You could put a suggestion box in your room for students to let you know what they would like to learn. 

I used to put my students in a circle and each student  would take turns standing in the middle of the circle.  Their peers would give one attribute or compliment to the one standing in the middle of the circle. 

  I hope this helps.  

Freda

hazellesophie says ...

"Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch- what make you go beyond the norm." (Tyson)

Couple of years ago i was given the opportunity to teach Korean students. At first i was a bit reluctant to teach them as i don't know what kind of approach i'd use for them because i have been hearing so many stories about them. The students i had were either University students,  professionals and daughters or sons of rich people in Korea. Having a different culture made it quite difficult because you have different beliefs.

So, the time came when classes began and i started teaching them. I handled grouup classes. My approach was simple. I had them around my table, ask them how they are? Until everyone has said their piece, i make sure everyone listens. Then, lessons would come in. And to make it more fun, i'd take them out all together and make them do the talking.

I believed that you have to play around with them if you want them to listen to you. I had them for so long in my class. They opted to stay with me. There were times they'd look for a teacher but in the end they  would say they had more fun with me and they go back to my class. But i had few students who stayed with me for the long period of time. He stayed with met for almost a year. Thats how loyal he was to me. So, when he left we both cried because we really had great times in my class.

I always tell them if you want to learn English, speak the language and not Korean language. It was difficult for them but you can see some of them exerting so much effort. So, in the floor you can see that we place a posted saying English Speaking Zone. Some of them are annoying because they still insisted on what they want, so if they don't learn its not my problem so i tell them that.

The reason also they enjoyed staying with me is because i always have food for everyone. hehhehee..

All i can say, grab every opportunity you can to take them with you anywhere you go so they get used to speak English. I bring them to the malls, to the parks, to historical places, i even took the opportunity to invite them for the holidays at my place and took them also with me when i had a vacation. So, since i was hosting, i made sure they don't get hungry. Although they paid for their own fare. I took care of the accomodation and their food. Just make sure you don't ask them for anything so that they don't feel being used.

And until now after so many years, i still get intouch with them. Have a great day with your kids. Make them feel they are important but treat them fair enough but be firm with your rules. 

Good luck....i hope this will help.

 

Always,

Hazelle Sophie Antoinette