A fire at the Goyang Bus Terminal has killed 5 and injured around 20 others today. This is very close to home as Goyang is the city where I live. Initial reports had the death toll at 7 but this has been changed to 5 as two were apparently revived with CPR. Links to some of the reports are below if you want more information.
Fire at South Korean bus terminal kills 7
Disaster agency corrects death toll from 7 to 5
Formerly 'Kiwigirl in Suwon, South Korea'
Showing posts with label Teaching in South Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaching in South Korea. Show all posts
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sunday, December 2, 2012
ESL Teaching Tips #3 - The Magic Hat
This is not so much a teaching tip as a teaching resource and it is one of my absolute favorites. It's called the 'The Hat' and it's a software programme that randomly selects names out of a virtual hat - no muss, no fuss.
Every month my students have to do a presentation where they talk for a minute or two about one of the subjects we have studied. In some classes I have all the kids wanting to be first and in others I have none of them wanting to. Even doing a rhyme choosing poem sometimes does not really work out well, 'The Hat' programme will solve all these issues. You can type the names into it as you go or you can do it before hand and then just load the list from a saved file, you can also pick pairs of names so if you have a class that does not like to pair up this will also work great.
I like it because the kids can't argue with it or blame anyone, if they say it's not fair I just point at the computer and say - 'the computer picked it, not me' and this pretty much stops any arguments. As an added bonus it's also a bit of fun, the kids like trying to guess whose name will come out each time the hat draws a name. I keep it on my flash drive - it's just a small programme, and that way I have it with me which ever class I am in. It's got to the point where the kids ask for it now, it's nice to have a positive start to something most of them don't like to do.The programme is called 'The Hat' and is from Harmony Hollow Software. You can find it here and best of all it's free.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
ESL Teaching Tips #2 - Five Favourite Filler Games
As most of you will know if you are teachers or have been looking into ESL teaching, one of the main things that you will be asked to do is make your classes fun. This goes double for private academy schools as they are first and foremost a business. If the kids are having fun (as well as learning) then the parents will continue to send them and the school will continue to make money.
The Internet is filled with ways to spice up your classroom. I am always looking for new ideas to make my kids more interested in the lessons. I thought I would share here some of the basic games that you should know if you are an ESL teacher. These are your 'go to' games for when you finish something early or need a filler for any extra time you have. There is nothing new here but I just wanted to list the ones that I use in my classes every day. They are tried and true and easy to do!
1. Hangman
It's a classic and your kids will probably already know it, some of the younger ones may not but it's easy to teach by example. There has been some conversation recently about whether the 'hangman' picture is appropriate for younger learners. In my opinion they are exposed to worse in other media, it's a stylised picture that really has become more a symbol than anything else. I still use it and have never had any complaints (besides we grew up with it and we're fine - aren't we?)
With the younger ones I write some words (usually from the story we are reading) on bits of paper and then they take turns coming up and writing it on the board. With the older ones, I give them a choice - if they have their own word great, otherwise I help them out - sometimes it's hard to think on the spot. We usually play either with words from the story we are doing or related words. For example we were doing a story on the Grand Canyon; the topic for hangman was - nature. This narrows it down a bit but still keeps it challenging as they can't just look in their books.
2. Pictionary
Not quite as educational as Hangman but it's a favourite with the kids. I use it if we have been working really hard and need a five minute reward at the end of class. It does test their vocabulary - I've been surprised by words that kids know when playing this. I have some words printed up on small cards that I keep in my bag. You can have easy, medium and hard ones if you have different classes that way your are prepared for all occasions. You can also turn this into a race, split the board in two and have two teams racing against each other to be the first to guess the word. I usually just play it like Hangman, one student up the front the others guessing whoever gets it right comes up and draws next.
3. Sticky Ball Throw
This is one I play all the time and you can change it to suit yourself. You should always have a sticky ball in your bag and you can get them from Home plus and other stores if you are in Korea. It is a great resource, cheap and full of fun.
There are so many ways use the sticky ball but my main one is where I draw a basic round target on the whiteboard and give the middle ring 500 or 100 and then smaller values to the outside rings. I write the vocabulary words on the board and the students have to make a new sentence using one word - if it's a good sentance then they can throw the ball. We usually have teams, if it's a small class individuals are fine for this game too. You can make them do any kind of question or exercise before they throw, that's what's great about this one. You can also change the target, especially if you are an artist. Sometimes I draw something to do with the story - we were doing Greek Monsters the other day so I drew a Cyclops. His eye was 100 and other parts of his body less. I am a really bad artist, the students were asking me what it was, I had to tell them and then they are like - ooh OK but it looks like a cookie man. Yes, Teacher is bad at drawing - lets move on. Another time we were doing space so I split the class into humans and aliens and then drew spaceships and UFOs on the board with Earth and another planet at either end. They then had to try and hit the other team's planet or ships, first team to 'destroy' the other race wins (again my drawings were a source of great mirth for the kids).
4.Taboo
Another classic, you have probably played this at least once in you life. If not - basically you have cards with one word at the top - the 'answer word', and then a list of related words below that. You are not allowed to say any words that are on the card - they are Taboo. You have to describe the 'answer word' without using any of the words listed on the card. You can make it easier or harder by having more or less related taboo words - for my beginner classes only two taboo words but for my advanced there will be four or five taboo words.
It is by far and away the most educational of these games I have listed here. The students really like it too; you have to prompt some of them but it's all learning. I have made up three sets of cards, they are just ones I found on the Internet (sometimes you will have to amend them as there might be things that you know your students don't know), I have easy, medium and hard sets and I carry them in my bag for when I need something extra to do. Some of my classes have become really good at making sentences to describe things using this game. Sometimes it's hard to make them understand that they can't say any words on the paper, you have to keep telling them (well in my experience, but if you have a Korean co-teacher I guess they can just make sure they understand in Korean)
5.Tic-Tac-Toe
Also called Naughts and Crosses, I think you will know the one I mean or else you can always google it. All you need for this is a white or black board and something to write with. Super easy for even the most basic of classrooms.
I usually only use this with my younger kids; once they get older they figure out the logistics of it and you almost always come up with a stalemate. The younger kids however love it. What I do is put a vocabulary word in each square and then they chose a square and have to use the word in a sentence, if they get it right they get to put their mark in the square (either O or X) - three in a row wins. If you have time, play best of three - change the words around and add a few different ones each time you play a round. Alternatively you can have a question per box or something else that they have to do - possibilities are endless.
I really like all these games and always come back to them because they are so simple. Sometimes you need something at a moments notice and they fit the bill nicely. Even ones where you need words, you can just write them as you go if you need to. They are also all highly customizable, if one gets a bit stale you can change it up to make it more exciting. Also on that note you can change how easy or hard the games are too, for your more advanced students you can add things to make it more challenging.
The Internet is filled with ways to spice up your classroom. I am always looking for new ideas to make my kids more interested in the lessons. I thought I would share here some of the basic games that you should know if you are an ESL teacher. These are your 'go to' games for when you finish something early or need a filler for any extra time you have. There is nothing new here but I just wanted to list the ones that I use in my classes every day. They are tried and true and easy to do!
1. Hangman
It's a classic and your kids will probably already know it, some of the younger ones may not but it's easy to teach by example. There has been some conversation recently about whether the 'hangman' picture is appropriate for younger learners. In my opinion they are exposed to worse in other media, it's a stylised picture that really has become more a symbol than anything else. I still use it and have never had any complaints (besides we grew up with it and we're fine - aren't we?)
With the younger ones I write some words (usually from the story we are reading) on bits of paper and then they take turns coming up and writing it on the board. With the older ones, I give them a choice - if they have their own word great, otherwise I help them out - sometimes it's hard to think on the spot. We usually play either with words from the story we are doing or related words. For example we were doing a story on the Grand Canyon; the topic for hangman was - nature. This narrows it down a bit but still keeps it challenging as they can't just look in their books.
2. Pictionary
Not quite as educational as Hangman but it's a favourite with the kids. I use it if we have been working really hard and need a five minute reward at the end of class. It does test their vocabulary - I've been surprised by words that kids know when playing this. I have some words printed up on small cards that I keep in my bag. You can have easy, medium and hard ones if you have different classes that way your are prepared for all occasions. You can also turn this into a race, split the board in two and have two teams racing against each other to be the first to guess the word. I usually just play it like Hangman, one student up the front the others guessing whoever gets it right comes up and draws next.
3. Sticky Ball Throw
This is one I play all the time and you can change it to suit yourself. You should always have a sticky ball in your bag and you can get them from Home plus and other stores if you are in Korea. It is a great resource, cheap and full of fun.
There are so many ways use the sticky ball but my main one is where I draw a basic round target on the whiteboard and give the middle ring 500 or 100 and then smaller values to the outside rings. I write the vocabulary words on the board and the students have to make a new sentence using one word - if it's a good sentance then they can throw the ball. We usually have teams, if it's a small class individuals are fine for this game too. You can make them do any kind of question or exercise before they throw, that's what's great about this one. You can also change the target, especially if you are an artist. Sometimes I draw something to do with the story - we were doing Greek Monsters the other day so I drew a Cyclops. His eye was 100 and other parts of his body less. I am a really bad artist, the students were asking me what it was, I had to tell them and then they are like - ooh OK but it looks like a cookie man. Yes, Teacher is bad at drawing - lets move on. Another time we were doing space so I split the class into humans and aliens and then drew spaceships and UFOs on the board with Earth and another planet at either end. They then had to try and hit the other team's planet or ships, first team to 'destroy' the other race wins (again my drawings were a source of great mirth for the kids).4.Taboo
Another classic, you have probably played this at least once in you life. If not - basically you have cards with one word at the top - the 'answer word', and then a list of related words below that. You are not allowed to say any words that are on the card - they are Taboo. You have to describe the 'answer word' without using any of the words listed on the card. You can make it easier or harder by having more or less related taboo words - for my beginner classes only two taboo words but for my advanced there will be four or five taboo words.
It is by far and away the most educational of these games I have listed here. The students really like it too; you have to prompt some of them but it's all learning. I have made up three sets of cards, they are just ones I found on the Internet (sometimes you will have to amend them as there might be things that you know your students don't know), I have easy, medium and hard sets and I carry them in my bag for when I need something extra to do. Some of my classes have become really good at making sentences to describe things using this game. Sometimes it's hard to make them understand that they can't say any words on the paper, you have to keep telling them (well in my experience, but if you have a Korean co-teacher I guess they can just make sure they understand in Korean)
5.Tic-Tac-Toe
Also called Naughts and Crosses, I think you will know the one I mean or else you can always google it. All you need for this is a white or black board and something to write with. Super easy for even the most basic of classrooms.
I usually only use this with my younger kids; once they get older they figure out the logistics of it and you almost always come up with a stalemate. The younger kids however love it. What I do is put a vocabulary word in each square and then they chose a square and have to use the word in a sentence, if they get it right they get to put their mark in the square (either O or X) - three in a row wins. If you have time, play best of three - change the words around and add a few different ones each time you play a round. Alternatively you can have a question per box or something else that they have to do - possibilities are endless.
I really like all these games and always come back to them because they are so simple. Sometimes you need something at a moments notice and they fit the bill nicely. Even ones where you need words, you can just write them as you go if you need to. They are also all highly customizable, if one gets a bit stale you can change it up to make it more exciting. Also on that note you can change how easy or hard the games are too, for your more advanced students you can add things to make it more challenging.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
So you want to teach English overseas....
Deciding to go to a foreign country and teach English is a big decision and should not be undertaken lightly. There are many things to consider before you take the plunge. One thing you need to decide is where in the world you are going to go - there are many places where English is still in hot demand and you will be able to find work. Each place has its pros and cons so my advise is to do your homework - decide what you want and then find the place that best meets all of your needs.
For me South Korea was the most attractive because of the benefits it offers, while some countries offer a higher pay rate like Japan and the Middle East, most jobs in South Korea will offer airfares to and from your country, paid housing and a bonus on completion of your contract. I was also interested in exploring a country that to most people is unknown. If you ask someone what they know about Korea the usual answer is - the Korean War, the separation of the North and South and that they had the Olympics there a while ago. There is of course a lot more to Korea, it is a place of rich history and interesting culture.
There are also many volunteer opportunities for teaching English which you may like to explore, this is where you get paid a very small amount to live on and you may be provided some accommodation living with a family in country. Its a great way to give back and you could have some really unique experiences.
You will also need to take into consideration the requirements for teaching in the country that you wish to go to. Most jobs will have as a minimum that you have attended an English speaking high school and that you have at least a Bachelor's degree from an English speaking university. While there are some people who have managed to get a job without a degree, it does make it much harder and it may not be a very reliable position. Another thing is whether or not to do a TESOL course. Many jobs do not require it and lots of people will say not to bother, however if you do have one it can open up other opportunities that may not be available to people who only have a degree.
I myself did a TESOL course about a year before I came over to South Korea and I am very thankful that I did. I had no idea what I was getting myself in for and no real concept of what teaching was like, doing the course really helped me to understand what I would be doing and gave me a chance to get prepared for my time in the classroom. I looked at a lot of the courses available both online and in my country and decided that I wanted one that had at least a small part of the course taught in the classroom. That limited my options to courses run from New Zealand and I narrowed it down to two options - they both had information sessions which I attended where they tell you all about the course, what they will be covering and what you can expect to walk away with. In the end it came down to the fact that one offered a practical teaching component as part of the requirements and it also helped that the presenter was really passionate about her experiences and really good at conveying that passion.
The course I chose was run by an Australian company called Teach International ( http://www.teachinternational.com/) and it has a number of location and course options. The certificate that I did included a one week in class component scheduled around a full time working week, after 5pm and on the weekend. I was still employed at the time and would not have been able to get the time off so this worked out really well for me. There was also an online component where you had to complete a compulsory unit of grammar (a great reminder and I even learned some new things) and two elective units. The other part to the course was the practical teaching component, this was a bit harder as the company had not set up any work experience places in Wellington where I did my course. I ended up sorting out my own placement just by contacting a local English Language School, they were only too happy to help out and I really learned a lot. It was great to have that chance to get up in front of a real class and see what it was like.
I would very much recommend Teach International if you are thinking about doing a TESOL course from New Zealand or Australia. They also have some options where you can do the course in a foreign country like China or Turkey which sounds really exciting. It is a lot of money to put up but I think that it was well worth it and it can open doors when it comes to finding a really great teaching job.
Once you have decided on the country that you are going to go to you can start looking for jobs and do some research on the country. You will need to know the visa requirements for living and working there. Its a good idea to make sure you know some background information about the country that you choose as it may come up in an interview for a job. They might ask you what you know about the country or why you want to visit. If you have done your research you can let them know that you have been actively learning about their country and have your answer all prepared so that they feel like you are really interested and eager to get involved.
For me South Korea was the most attractive because of the benefits it offers, while some countries offer a higher pay rate like Japan and the Middle East, most jobs in South Korea will offer airfares to and from your country, paid housing and a bonus on completion of your contract. I was also interested in exploring a country that to most people is unknown. If you ask someone what they know about Korea the usual answer is - the Korean War, the separation of the North and South and that they had the Olympics there a while ago. There is of course a lot more to Korea, it is a place of rich history and interesting culture.
There are also many volunteer opportunities for teaching English which you may like to explore, this is where you get paid a very small amount to live on and you may be provided some accommodation living with a family in country. Its a great way to give back and you could have some really unique experiences.
You will also need to take into consideration the requirements for teaching in the country that you wish to go to. Most jobs will have as a minimum that you have attended an English speaking high school and that you have at least a Bachelor's degree from an English speaking university. While there are some people who have managed to get a job without a degree, it does make it much harder and it may not be a very reliable position. Another thing is whether or not to do a TESOL course. Many jobs do not require it and lots of people will say not to bother, however if you do have one it can open up other opportunities that may not be available to people who only have a degree.
I myself did a TESOL course about a year before I came over to South Korea and I am very thankful that I did. I had no idea what I was getting myself in for and no real concept of what teaching was like, doing the course really helped me to understand what I would be doing and gave me a chance to get prepared for my time in the classroom. I looked at a lot of the courses available both online and in my country and decided that I wanted one that had at least a small part of the course taught in the classroom. That limited my options to courses run from New Zealand and I narrowed it down to two options - they both had information sessions which I attended where they tell you all about the course, what they will be covering and what you can expect to walk away with. In the end it came down to the fact that one offered a practical teaching component as part of the requirements and it also helped that the presenter was really passionate about her experiences and really good at conveying that passion.
The course I chose was run by an Australian company called Teach International ( http://www.teachinternational.com/) and it has a number of location and course options. The certificate that I did included a one week in class component scheduled around a full time working week, after 5pm and on the weekend. I was still employed at the time and would not have been able to get the time off so this worked out really well for me. There was also an online component where you had to complete a compulsory unit of grammar (a great reminder and I even learned some new things) and two elective units. The other part to the course was the practical teaching component, this was a bit harder as the company had not set up any work experience places in Wellington where I did my course. I ended up sorting out my own placement just by contacting a local English Language School, they were only too happy to help out and I really learned a lot. It was great to have that chance to get up in front of a real class and see what it was like.
I would very much recommend Teach International if you are thinking about doing a TESOL course from New Zealand or Australia. They also have some options where you can do the course in a foreign country like China or Turkey which sounds really exciting. It is a lot of money to put up but I think that it was well worth it and it can open doors when it comes to finding a really great teaching job.
Once you have decided on the country that you are going to go to you can start looking for jobs and do some research on the country. You will need to know the visa requirements for living and working there. Its a good idea to make sure you know some background information about the country that you choose as it may come up in an interview for a job. They might ask you what you know about the country or why you want to visit. If you have done your research you can let them know that you have been actively learning about their country and have your answer all prepared so that they feel like you are really interested and eager to get involved.
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