Why not?
I went and did it. After weeks of saying I should start one, maybe tomorow, maybe tonight, I started this. It seems like the thing to do, and those of you who know me know I always do the thing to do. Why not? I've got something to say. Or at least something to describe, which in itself is some thing to say; and sometimes I like to say things, as we all do. This blog has, just now, given me the voice to say things, many things, electronically to many people, at possibly the same time--you might try reading this with a robot's voice--maybe even in the same place. What times we live in!
On with a description: I'm currently teaching English in a hagwon in S. Korea. If you'd like more explanation, please ask a question specific or vague. I like both.
A snapshot of my middle school class: The talkative--in a participatory way--student is quiet because he's looking up vulgar words in Korean that describe crippled or maimed people. A burst of giggling accompanies even more flipping of pages. The student with the best speaking ability is softly punching himself in the face. The student I am asking a question is issuing little but air from his mouth and nearly drooling as he stares at his book. The student next to him is shifting his eyes about hoping I don't call on him next, and the girls in the back are talking about something I don't understand--my Korean's not that strong yet--not really caring if I call on them or not. If I do, one will clarify what at first she didn't hear, then answer the question. The other will wave her hand and say "no teacher," or "pass."
But not all my students are like that. I had students chase me to the elevator this evening to say goodbye, waving phrenetically. I like to think that my classes get them that fired up, but seriously doubt it. On a good day I keep them entertained, keep them talking, hopefully leaving something useful in their heads for later. On a bad day they shut down, stopping any thought. I hear them telling each other that the Korean teacher will explain it in Korean the following day.
On with a description: I'm currently teaching English in a hagwon in S. Korea. If you'd like more explanation, please ask a question specific or vague. I like both.
A snapshot of my middle school class: The talkative--in a participatory way--student is quiet because he's looking up vulgar words in Korean that describe crippled or maimed people. A burst of giggling accompanies even more flipping of pages. The student with the best speaking ability is softly punching himself in the face. The student I am asking a question is issuing little but air from his mouth and nearly drooling as he stares at his book. The student next to him is shifting his eyes about hoping I don't call on him next, and the girls in the back are talking about something I don't understand--my Korean's not that strong yet--not really caring if I call on them or not. If I do, one will clarify what at first she didn't hear, then answer the question. The other will wave her hand and say "no teacher," or "pass."
But not all my students are like that. I had students chase me to the elevator this evening to say goodbye, waving phrenetically. I like to think that my classes get them that fired up, but seriously doubt it. On a good day I keep them entertained, keep them talking, hopefully leaving something useful in their heads for later. On a bad day they shut down, stopping any thought. I hear them telling each other that the Korean teacher will explain it in Korean the following day.
posted by The Principal at 9:15 PM
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