Some things I noticed were that they were very hard working...to a point. They got bored easily (sound familiar?) But instead of acting out, they got out their cell phones and started texting their friends, playing games, or they just flat put their head down on the desk and took a nap.
And you know what?? I didn't care. They were not getting a grade to be in the English camp. I didn't have anything invested with the students, and I don't know that many of them invested in the course. They had a post-exam today at 2pm. When I asked my class about it today, they said they didn't care. I don't know if this is true or not.
One thing I noticed was the quality of their work. This may be because I am used to elementary level work, but their in class posters were awesome! Here are a few examples:
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| From Gwang-Ju |
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| From Gwang-Ju |
The best thing about teaching the students was learning a few more games that "worked" with ESL students. The best one was Taboo. I found some cards online and printed them off, cut them out, and away we went. Here is a video of one of my classes playing taboo.
My other favorite thing was the questions they asked:
~ How old are you? That was quickly followed with: Do you have a boyfriend?
(I guess Korean women are supposed to be married by 30...so they were shocked when I wasn't really concerned about it).
~ When you have to use the toilet in America, how to do ask? When I responded with, "May I go to the restroom" they said...don't you say #1 or #2. I had wondered about this, but many Koreans seem to freely share that information when they are headed to the restroom. They didn't quite understand the idea that we don't share that information. That it is a "secret".
~ Where are you staying in Korea? When I responded in the dorms...they always asked, who is your roommate. I had to say my Mom. I felt a little bit like a loser every time I had to say that.
Here are some pictures of one of my classes:
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| From Gwang-Ju |
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| From Gwang-Ju |
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| From Gwang-Ju |
2 comments:
I had the same experience in Africa..."How old are you?" "Are you married?". Apparently in Rwanda they don't even really reconginze "single" you're either a daughter or a wife. Nice. Talk about a great boost for the ol self-esteem!
Have fun in Thailand!!!
I just love hearing your point of view on your trip :) I'm jealous of your experience and love your humor! PS - I'll be sure to hold up a 1 or 2 finger response when I ask you to cover my room for a quick bathroom break :) he he he
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