Ajarn Forum - Living and Teaching In Thailand - View Single Post

Dao16 · 3rd August 2008, 19:58

Actually, after teaching here for several years, I can attest that Korean students are generally pretty good, if shy. Of course, that said, they are not shy when together in a group. Totally agree that the Korean counterpart is not doing her job, since the kids generally will not listen to you on matters of authority, unless you speak Korean pretty well. There is a disconnect between English and real life in their minds (as there is between Asia and real life in the minds of some foreigners).
What the previous poster said about appealing to the idea of being a bad representation of Korea and of the hell that they will have to pay when their parents hear of it is totally true. Also, be strict! You don't have to hit them, but fake being extremely angry and scary to them. Once should be enough (with more minor hints at it from time to time, when necessary...a threat that the hellfire you breathed before might be revisited).
One more thing to remember is that this is partly just an expression that they are having "fun" with their friends. Sounds dumb, but people in groups in Korea are wont to express, in no uncertain terms, that they are "having fun". By being boisterous and running everywhere, they are expressing how much they are enjoying the experience. As long as they are doing no harm, be lenient. When they really are in possible danger, crack that (verbal) whip like you never have before.
Also, they are kids...
All this aside, I have had hellacious experiences as a camp counselor with kids from tons of other countries (international camp in Paris), so this is not just Koreans. Just tried to make my reply a little more Korea-specific.
Good luck.

3rd August 2008, 19:58	#27 (permalink)
Dao16 Dao16 is..... New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5 vCash: 500 Rep Power: 0	Re: Korean students are pains in the butt Actually, after teaching here for several years, I can attest that Korean students are generally pretty good, if shy. Of course, that said, they are not shy when together in a group. Totally agree that the Korean counterpart is not doing her job, since the kids generally will not listen to you on matters of authority, unless you speak Korean pretty well. There is a disconnect between English and real life in their minds (as there is between Asia and real life in the minds of some foreigners). What the previous poster said about appealing to the idea of being a bad representation of Korea and of the hell that they will have to pay when their parents hear of it is totally true. Also, be strict! You don't have to hit them, but fake being extremely angry and scary to them. Once should be enough (with more minor hints at it from time to time, when necessary...a threat that the hellfire you breathed before might be revisited). One more thing to remember is that this is partly just an expression that they are having "fun" with their friends. Sounds dumb, but people in groups in Korea are wont to express, in no uncertain terms, that they are "having fun". By being boisterous and running everywhere, they are expressing how much they are enjoying the experience. As long as they are doing no harm, be lenient. When they really are in possible danger, crack that (verbal) whip like you never have before. Also, they are kids... All this aside, I have had hellacious experiences as a camp counselor with kids from tons of other countries (international camp in Paris), so this is not just Koreans. Just tried to make my reply a little more Korea-specific. Good luck.