Teaching in Korea

As promised...a new post. I thought that I would let you know (although some of you already know) of the teaching differences that I have noticed while here in Korea. I have be somewhat successfully teaching here for almost two months. The teacher in me (and the Graphic Organizer lover t00) wishes that I can insert a t-chart of some sort, but as a newbie to blogging, I don't really know how.

Okay so here we go...

Basically, Korean teachers are treated just like western teachers. Too much paper work, too many mandates, and they teach to the test. They have to deal with students who don't study, who talk back, and parents who don't know how to help. And they don't get paid very much. There are two big differences here though. One, they can drink during school. Although not highly advised and recommended, still many teacher's room have large cases of beer and soju-just in case. Sometimes, the teachers are really happy to be here. Two, they can hit the students. Now, I have not witnessed anything bad. Just a couple of whacks on the hand with a ruler or a smack on the head. Think Catholic school nuns. I am not allowed (nor want) to participate in these activities. But they are there for the Korean teachers. Sometimes they are just lucky bastards.

Okay, now for the students. If you think you saw a stressed out 3rd or 4th grader due to FCAT or MCAS, think again. Students here are stressed. They are seriously stressed. It is not uncommon for middle and high school students to study until 1, 2, 0r 3 in the morning. Then get up and do it again in 3 hours. I have been amazed hearing their studying stories. Here is a typical 'study' conversation:

Student: "Oh teacher. I'm so tired."

Me: "Why?"

Student: "Must study. Study hard. No sleep. Study."

And this is encouraged! If you don't study, basically, you don't get to do anything with your future life. Ed's kids go to school at 8:15 am and don't leave until 11:00pm! They stay all day long! Some even live there-and I mean really live there--there are dorms and everything, just to study! It is crazy. Some people think that part of the reason why so many Korean students are showing signs of obesity now is because all they do is sit and study. They don't really have sports here, or extra clubs, or free time. All they have is studying and PC Bangs (computer rooms--which many a student go to in order to relax).

From my end. Teaching is quite nice, but it is not with out its difficulties. I have almost 600 students, of which I see 500 or so in a week. In a class I have 40 students, ranging from non-English speaking (or understanding) to fluent; and yes, they all have to learn the same dialogue at the same pace. There is really no differentiating here. Some students have surprised me. I think that they can carry on a conversation, but when asked about anything further than "How are you?" (or if you just jazz up that question to "Whats Up?") they can not communicate. The other end is true too. Yesterday, I had a girl come up to me in the hall and have a very full and pleasant conversation about what she wants to be when she grows up (and interpreter--a good job for her!!). It was completely random. She just felt like talking to me.

On the positive end, I can essentially repeat the same lesson all week long. It gets a little tiresome, but no real planning is involved. Of course I make things more difficult for myself and try to figure out how to reach all levels and make it appropriately challenging for everyone, but I really have come up with a solid solution for that yet. I have lots of free time to 'plan' or 'rest'. I give no homework, or real classwork; no tests; no grades; the students only have to show up and play along. Overall, its not a bad job. Is teaching at this type of institution or level something that I can see myself doing in the long run? Sure. But only if I can have smaller class sizes, better materials, computers for all, more time, and less students with stress!