Students of any age may misbehave and may not always follow your directions as you desire. This is something that many teachers find to be universal. No matter what subject, age group, or location, problems in the classroom may occasionally arise and even if you've had experience teaching, they are not necessarily easy to deal with. This entry is dedicated to helping you cope with and manage these problems.
In the beginning...
As difficult as it may be, it is always a good idea to start off each semester (especially if you have a new group of students) somewhat strictly and sternly. It may not be fun or easy for you to be the "bad guy" in the classroom, but you'll almost certainly be able to lighten up as the session continues. Establishing yourself as an instructor that has rules, expectations, but empathy is important in order to have a successful semester with your students. To begin with, it might be a good idea to come up with 3-5 rules and have the students write them in their notebooks. Discuss with them the consequences should they break these rules. Many teachers like to introduce the "3 strikes and you're out" rule. (i.e. Respect others by listening to what they say and if you have something to add, raise your hand and wait your turn to speak.)
Enforcement...
It may seem easy to simply threaten students with punishments that seem very harsh, but it is essential to present them with real consequences should they misbehave in class. The punishment must be real and pose a real burden to them. It might be a good idea to make the punishment connect to the material being taught. (i.e. extra homework). Punishments such as writing a phrase 100 times tends to be somewhat ineffective. If you do not enforce the rules, students will quickly learn that they can get away with pretty much anything. It's OK to have fun, but remember that you are there for a purpose : to immerse students in the English language and help them improve their language abilities.
Serious problems...
Sometimes, you will have a student act out in various (and potentially dangerous) ways. In this situation, it is advisable not to try to handle a situation such as classroom violence all alone. You have co-workers and although they might not be your friends, you are a team. Don't hesitate to send a student not involved in the situation to fetch another teacher to help you manage the problem. Avoid any aggressive physical contact with students at all costs.
Bad language...
Foreign language learners often find it enjoyable and humorous to learn offensive words and expressions in the target language. Especially with younger ages, it's hard to know how to react when something offensive is said. Instead of overreacting and severely punishing the student, it might be a good idea to explain to the entire class the potential consequences of using this kind of language with a native speaker of the target language. It's not a bad idea to make the consequences a bit scary and serious as to get the point across that offensive language is hurtful and disrespectful. If the problem persists, then more severe punishment may be required.
* The most important factor in classroom management is consistency. Empathy is of course needed in some situations, but try your best to maintain your rules and the consequences should these rules be broken!
Any stories of effective classroom management techniques that you know of or have experienced? Feel free to send us a comment!
Providing you with information on living/teaching in Korea, news from the ROK, and HSK events. Enjoy! ~The HSK team
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Queen Kim YuNa
As the Winter Olympics have been underway for some time now, the winter sport fervor has increased greatly, especially upon the many successes of the newly crowned "Queen" of Korea--Ms. Kim YuNa. Kim YuNa has been dominating the ice figure skating competition with grace and poise quite impressively so far this Winter Olympics season.Ms. Kim has quickly become Korea's sweetheart and has been double-axeling her way to the top since 2005 in various competitions worldwide. Her debut was at the South Korean Figure Skating Championships at the age of 12 where she took home the winning trophy.
This Winter Olympics 2010, figure skating has been a mainstay on television sets in Korean homes as well as in restaurants and bars as Kim outskated her competition with the greatest of ease. Her only predicted competition was found in Japan's Mao Asada who is the only female figure skater in the world to have mastered the triple axel. This secret weapon was said to be the possible downfall of Kim YuNa this winter Olympics. However, Mao's secret proved to be no match for Kim's talent and charm on the ice.Kim took home the gold and can be seen all over Korea as she endorses for well-known Korean brands such as Anycall, Hauzen, Korean Air and many more. Up until the Olympic competition, YuNa Kim called Canada her home where she practiced and trained leading up to the main event. Kim's achievements resonate within the hearts and souls of Koreans
This Winter Olympics 2010, figure skating has been a mainstay on television sets in Korean homes as well as in restaurants and bars as Kim outskated her competition with the greatest of ease. Her only predicted competition was found in Japan's Mao Asada who is the only female figure skater in the world to have mastered the triple axel. This secret weapon was said to be the possible downfall of Kim YuNa this winter Olympics. However, Mao's secret proved to be no match for Kim's talent and charm on the ice.Kim took home the gold and can be seen all over Korea as she endorses for well-known Korean brands such as Anycall, Hauzen, Korean Air and many more. Up until the Olympic competition, YuNa Kim called Canada her home where she practiced and trained leading up to the main event. Kim's achievements resonate within the hearts and souls of Koreans
Labels:
kim yuna,
koreans in sport,
winter olympics
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A Korean Wedding...
Many have said that Korean weddings are no match to a Western wedding and despite the celebratory nature of this event, it can be somewhat monotonous and awkward. However, if the opportunity arises, I strongly suggest you take up a Korean friend/coworker's invitation to his or her wedding to see and experience this differences in this romantic ritual (if not to enjoy some free buffet-style food, beer and soju with some friends.)Just recently I was honored to be invited to my first Korean wedding. It was to celebrate the union of my former Korean-Canadian co-worker and his Korean bride. A few old colleagues and I met up prior to and went together. It was a great opportunity and excuse for us to all get together again as well!We entered the wedding hall and there was a bit of confusion before we eventually found the right place. My friend's wedding took place in a wedding hall, which can be found all over Korea. It's a venue designed especially for weddings and is composed of many semi-private rooms. In each room there is seating room (sizes vary from hall to hall) and a different wedding going on. The whole thing seemed a little impersonal and chaotic, but our worries were put to ease when we found Mr. Son and his radiant bride greeting their guests.Before the wedding began, the guests mingled outside of the "wedding room" and soon enough the bride came out in her Western style wedding dress (white, beads, frills, lace, silk, the whole she-bang) and posed like a sheep in a petting zoo for all the guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing about how beautiful she was. (She did indeed look very stunning!)Once the photo frenzy had subsided, we entered the room where there was an aisle and plastic patio chairs set in rows. We were lucky to have an anglophone groom because he arranged for an interpreter through part of the ceremony, so us foreigners weren't too lost. This is one of the many different points of a Korean wedding. The bride and groom are mostly silent during the ceremony and the reverend/pastor/priest does most of the talking. This was a little different because a friend of the groom's sang a song that he dedicated to the newlyweds.
Post-ceremony, the couple has a traditional Korean ceremony between the parents while the guests go down to the dining hall (usually in the same building) to get their drink and eat on. Later, the husband and wife and their families make their way to the dining hall to eat, drink and be merry with the rest of the attendants.
Post-ceremony, the couple has a traditional Korean ceremony between the parents while the guests go down to the dining hall (usually in the same building) to get their drink and eat on. Later, the husband and wife and their families make their way to the dining hall to eat, drink and be merry with the rest of the attendants.
Labels:
Korean wedding
Monday, February 15, 2010
HSK Restaurant Review -- My Ssong
Deep in the heart of Apgujeong lies Dosan Park and its surrounding areas. Lined with small restaurants and bistros boasting a variety of multi-cultural foods, Apgujeong won't disappoint! On a recent exploratory walk with a friend of mine, we came across a cute and quaint restaurant called My Ssong.The restaurant's interior is what some might consider a bit "kitsch", but at the same time endearing. It's got a clean and intimate atmosphere with a moderate amount of seating. The wise placement of mirrors hung on the wall created a seemingly larger space and the colors were bright, which added to its grandeur. The staff was kind and eager to serve. Plus the menu was in English for those of you who struggle with 한글.My Ssong is reminiscent of a "mom and pop" restaurant offering simple, yet filling menu choices. My Ssong put a Californian/modern twist on its fare with a items ranging from deep fried shoestring french fries to flatbread pizza. Both my friend and I opted for a flatbread pizza a piece. He chose the chicken pizza while I decided upon the tomato basil one. The crusts were light, airy and crispy and the flavors of the sauce mixed with the respective ingredients created a well-balanced melange. The pizza was a bit on the sweet side for my taste (as are many Korean-made pizzas), but I was not disgusted! A side of deep fried french fries made me feel like I was at the state fair again! The selection of desserts was mouth-watering as well. My friend and I split a piece of devil's food cake, which made up for the light pizza!
Labels:
apgujeong,
dosan park area,
my ssong,
restaurants
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lunar New Year 2010 -- The year of the tiger
While many Koreans celebrate new year's day on January 1st, there is another widely celebrated time of year not far from January 1st, which allows you to benefit from another celebration. That holiday is Lunar New Year (Seollal). Because this holiday occurs according to the lunar calendar, the day on which it is celebrated is different each year. This year, it falls on Sunday February 14. The celebrations will commence on Friday evening beginning with many Koreans traveling to the hometowns of their families to spend time with them during this special period.
Typically, Seollal is a 3-day holiday for which many Koreans dress in colorful hanbok (Korean traditional dress) and make ddeokguk (rice cake soup). Some Koreans also travel to a coastal locale to see the first sunrise of the lunar new year. This is also a particularly happy time for younger Koreans as they perform the ritual Sebae. This involves them bowing to their elders and in return, the children receive money.
As in Chinese zodiac, Korean lunar new year also follows the same calendar for which each year is represented by an animal. In 2010, it will be the year of the white tiger. The predictions for this lunar year aren't particularly bright as a lot of dramatic change and intensity will occur. There will be a lot of activity happening, so it won't be a very boring year, that is for sure. On the lighter side of things, it is predicted to be a good year to seize opportunities, but very quickly as they may fade out just as quickly as they present themselves.
For a more detailed look on this year's outlook for your particular Chinese zodiac, visit this site.
Typically, Seollal is a 3-day holiday for which many Koreans dress in colorful hanbok (Korean traditional dress) and make ddeokguk (rice cake soup). Some Koreans also travel to a coastal locale to see the first sunrise of the lunar new year. This is also a particularly happy time for younger Koreans as they perform the ritual Sebae. This involves them bowing to their elders and in return, the children receive money.
As in Chinese zodiac, Korean lunar new year also follows the same calendar for which each year is represented by an animal. In 2010, it will be the year of the white tiger. The predictions for this lunar year aren't particularly bright as a lot of dramatic change and intensity will occur. There will be a lot of activity happening, so it won't be a very boring year, that is for sure. On the lighter side of things, it is predicted to be a good year to seize opportunities, but very quickly as they may fade out just as quickly as they present themselves.
For a more detailed look on this year's outlook for your particular Chinese zodiac, visit this site.
Labels:
2010,
lunar new year,
seollal
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Valentine's Day 2010
It's about that time of year again. The time for lovers to come together and celebrate their unity and singles to either lament/rejoice in their single-ness. Either way you choose to celebrate it, there are options for all of you no matter what your relationship status may be. Here are a few ideas for both couples and singles to enjoy on Valentine's Day or any time of the year.
*****
Couples
1. A nice candle-lit dinner for two. There are thousands of restaurants to please your taste buds all across the Korean peninsula. Whether you prefer pricey fine dining or a hearty and economic meal, there's the whole spread in the ROK.
Star Chef
This is a fusion restaurant with a taste for all palates. Star Chef is moderately to expensively priced, but you won't be disappointed. It may lack in the desired Valentine's private and intimate feel department, but the food will most likely put your mind past this and all other things that you may be thinking about.
Mad for Garlic
This might not be a wise idea of you have a lot of kanoodling and smooching planned on Valentine's Day (perhaps it should be filed under the "single's" category?), but I guess you always have the option to do whatever you want! It might be a bit crowded, especially because of the free table wine given to those who have to wait to be seated. Nonetheless, Mad for Garlic has the romantic lighting, wide wine selection, and moderately-priced food that are the makings for a lovely evening with enough garlic to scare off at least a dozen vampires.
2. A romantic comedy or drama might set the Valentine's Day atmosphere. Whether it's cuddling with your honey at home or sharing a bucket of popcorn and Milk Duds, a movie is a good way to spend quality time with your sweetheart. Chick flicks and romantic dramas aren't unique to the West, Korea's go its share of them too!
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK
Directed by the infamous Park, ChanWook, I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK is a different genre than what we usually see from Mr. Park. With a surreal/fantasy twist, a romance story is born between two individuals in an unlikely setting : a mental institution. Bits of comedy here and there bring you down to earth from the somewhat serious tone of this film.
Seducing Mr. Perfect
Eye candy for the ladies embodies itself in the handsome Korean-American, Daniel Henney. He plays a handsome and emotionally detached executive who attempts to reform a sensitive and generally unlucky in love female counterpart, which ultimately ends in the demise of his bachelor state. The two fall in love outside of the workplace in an essentially cheesy and easily predicted plot.
Sleepless in Seattle
Who can forget the era of Meg Ryan at her height of "ro-co" films? She's memorable in When Harry Met Sally and one of the quintessential representatives of the chick flick film genre. Whether it's this particular film or any of her other attempts to secure her place as America's sweetheart, Meg Ryan's got it going on and deserves a place on our Valentine's "to do" list for couples!
*****
Singles
1. Muster up the courage and treat yourself to a tasty dinner! Whether it's stuffing your face full of guiltily rich and decadent food or just enjoying a simple Korean favorite, enjoy and celebrate your time alone all without having to worry about what a significant other might want!
Samgyeopsal
Where can you go wrong with same fried, fatty pork and a bottle of soju? The answer? Nothing. Samgyeopsal is an HSK favorite that can satisfy even the most picky of eaters. (Don't forget the extra side of 기름장!) Round up a group of your single friends or go it alone!
Chez Meili
A great way to stuff yourself into oblivion. Herr Meilinger specializes in Austrian traditional dishes such as wiener schnitzel and kaesespaetzle. The homemade sauerkraut will knock your socks off and the gorgonzola cream sauce pork medallions are to die for! Spend that hard earned money on a treat for yourself on this greeting card holiday!
2. Watch a violent, bloody, crime/slasher movie. Sit back with a bottle of your favorite beer or even wine and watch an evil vampire greedily drink the blood of some praying nuns in habits or a deranged psycho-killer go to town on a couple of teenage kids. Whatever your pleasure, go against the grain this Valentine's Day!
Scarface
Crime and drug lords don't get any badder than Tony Montana. Al Pacino stars in yet again another organized crime movie, but this time he slaps a Cuban accent on that dirty mouth. Quotations like "Who do I trust? Me!" are unforgettable and let's not forget the glorious downfall of Mr. Montana in a Rambo style shootout as he tries to maintain what he's worked so hard (and illegally) for!
No Mercy For the Rude
Shin, HaKyun plays a dumb/mute killer who goes by the name of "Killa". He earns his wages by being a hired assassin and being a good one at that. He's got an eccentric personality that he can't seem to express in words and his obsession for bullfighting is among one of those eccentric traits. Although there's a romantic twist, there's also enough killing and storyline to keep you interested. The romance doesn't overpower you and it's definitely not enough to make you cynics out there barf!
*****
These suggestions aren't all there are out there for this Valentine's Day. If you have suggestions, send them our way for our readers to consider!
*****
Couples
1. A nice candle-lit dinner for two. There are thousands of restaurants to please your taste buds all across the Korean peninsula. Whether you prefer pricey fine dining or a hearty and economic meal, there's the whole spread in the ROK.
Star Chef
This is a fusion restaurant with a taste for all palates. Star Chef is moderately to expensively priced, but you won't be disappointed. It may lack in the desired Valentine's private and intimate feel department, but the food will most likely put your mind past this and all other things that you may be thinking about.
Mad for Garlic
This might not be a wise idea of you have a lot of kanoodling and smooching planned on Valentine's Day (perhaps it should be filed under the "single's" category?), but I guess you always have the option to do whatever you want! It might be a bit crowded, especially because of the free table wine given to those who have to wait to be seated. Nonetheless, Mad for Garlic has the romantic lighting, wide wine selection, and moderately-priced food that are the makings for a lovely evening with enough garlic to scare off at least a dozen vampires.
2. A romantic comedy or drama might set the Valentine's Day atmosphere. Whether it's cuddling with your honey at home or sharing a bucket of popcorn and Milk Duds, a movie is a good way to spend quality time with your sweetheart. Chick flicks and romantic dramas aren't unique to the West, Korea's go its share of them too!
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK
Directed by the infamous Park, ChanWook, I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK is a different genre than what we usually see from Mr. Park. With a surreal/fantasy twist, a romance story is born between two individuals in an unlikely setting : a mental institution. Bits of comedy here and there bring you down to earth from the somewhat serious tone of this film.
Seducing Mr. Perfect
Eye candy for the ladies embodies itself in the handsome Korean-American, Daniel Henney. He plays a handsome and emotionally detached executive who attempts to reform a sensitive and generally unlucky in love female counterpart, which ultimately ends in the demise of his bachelor state. The two fall in love outside of the workplace in an essentially cheesy and easily predicted plot.
Sleepless in Seattle
Who can forget the era of Meg Ryan at her height of "ro-co" films? She's memorable in When Harry Met Sally and one of the quintessential representatives of the chick flick film genre. Whether it's this particular film or any of her other attempts to secure her place as America's sweetheart, Meg Ryan's got it going on and deserves a place on our Valentine's "to do" list for couples!
*****
Singles
1. Muster up the courage and treat yourself to a tasty dinner! Whether it's stuffing your face full of guiltily rich and decadent food or just enjoying a simple Korean favorite, enjoy and celebrate your time alone all without having to worry about what a significant other might want!
Samgyeopsal
Chez Meili
A great way to stuff yourself into oblivion. Herr Meilinger specializes in Austrian traditional dishes such as wiener schnitzel and kaesespaetzle. The homemade sauerkraut will knock your socks off and the gorgonzola cream sauce pork medallions are to die for! Spend that hard earned money on a treat for yourself on this greeting card holiday!
2. Watch a violent, bloody, crime/slasher movie. Sit back with a bottle of your favorite beer or even wine and watch an evil vampire greedily drink the blood of some praying nuns in habits or a deranged psycho-killer go to town on a couple of teenage kids. Whatever your pleasure, go against the grain this Valentine's Day!
Scarface
Crime and drug lords don't get any badder than Tony Montana. Al Pacino stars in yet again another organized crime movie, but this time he slaps a Cuban accent on that dirty mouth. Quotations like "Who do I trust? Me!" are unforgettable and let's not forget the glorious downfall of Mr. Montana in a Rambo style shootout as he tries to maintain what he's worked so hard (and illegally) for!
No Mercy For the Rude
Shin, HaKyun plays a dumb/mute killer who goes by the name of "Killa". He earns his wages by being a hired assassin and being a good one at that. He's got an eccentric personality that he can't seem to express in words and his obsession for bullfighting is among one of those eccentric traits. Although there's a romantic twist, there's also enough killing and storyline to keep you interested. The romance doesn't overpower you and it's definitely not enough to make you cynics out there barf!
*****
These suggestions aren't all there are out there for this Valentine's Day. If you have suggestions, send them our way for our readers to consider!
Labels:
ideas,
seoul,
south korea,
valentine's day
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Classroom Ideas--Lesson Plan Template (elementary)
Here's another lesson plan aimed toward younger elementary ages that deals with descriptions of people using basic adjectives in the correct English subject + verb + object order. This is a great basis for students to begin learning how to properly describe people and objects in English. To begin with, you'll start by using physically visible descriptions. More complex descriptions can be added as desired according to class level.
-------------------------------
She's Tall
Objective : Students will learn the effectual value of adjectives to describe people (their physical features, apparel, and appearance), places and things in real life.
~ Hear adjectives that describe a person, place or thing and accurately recognize the person,
animal, place, or object being talked about in the conversation. Expression of describing the
person's appearance. (Listening)
~ Use adjectives to effectively describe a person, animal, place or thing in a conversation.
Students will ask and answer questions related to a person's appearance. (Speaking)
~ Recognize, read and apply the words associated with the body and descriptive adjectives. (big,
small, tall, short, eyes, ears, hair). (Reading)
~ Write basic words identifying body parts. (nose, mouth, face) (Writing)
Introduce physical descriptors (adjectives) by pulling one student at a time out of the class and use one adjective to describe 5-7 students depending on your class size. Write the words on the board along with the names of the students so their classmates can remember these adjectives by applying them to their classmates that they know physically.
Continue by introducing the parts of the body and play a game of Simon Says or Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes (or both if you're feeling crazy!) This will help the kids remember what body part is what in a fun way. They can also refer back to these games if they ever forget the name of a particular body part!
Communicative functions and language structures used :
Communicative structures
~ Detailed descriptions : She is tall. You have nice glasses.
~ Request details : What?
Language structures
~ He/She is _______________ . You/He/She have/has __________________ .
Vocabulary : ear, glasses, hair, long, short, singer, uncle
Ask the students to write a description of you using words they know. Then orally, have the students describe famous people (i.e. the president of Korea.) Continue with practice activities such as these adding other adjectives and descriptors if necessary.
--------------------------------------------------
This lesson introduces the vital skills of being able to describe a person that may be unknown to others. Emphasize the correct verb conjugation for each subject and don't hesitate to correct students orally when you do this lesson! Per usual, if you have any suggestions, let us know!
-------------------------------
She's Tall
Objective : Students will learn the effectual value of adjectives to describe people (their physical features, apparel, and appearance), places and things in real life.
~ Hear adjectives that describe a person, place or thing and accurately recognize the person,
animal, place, or object being talked about in the conversation. Expression of describing the
person's appearance. (Listening)
~ Use adjectives to effectively describe a person, animal, place or thing in a conversation.
Students will ask and answer questions related to a person's appearance. (Speaking)
~ Recognize, read and apply the words associated with the body and descriptive adjectives. (big,
small, tall, short, eyes, ears, hair). (Reading)
~ Write basic words identifying body parts. (nose, mouth, face) (Writing)
Introduce physical descriptors (adjectives) by pulling one student at a time out of the class and use one adjective to describe 5-7 students depending on your class size. Write the words on the board along with the names of the students so their classmates can remember these adjectives by applying them to their classmates that they know physically.
Continue by introducing the parts of the body and play a game of Simon Says or Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes (or both if you're feeling crazy!) This will help the kids remember what body part is what in a fun way. They can also refer back to these games if they ever forget the name of a particular body part!
Communicative functions and language structures used :
Communicative structures
~ Detailed descriptions : She is tall. You have nice glasses.
~ Request details : What?
Language structures
~ He/She is _______________ . You/He/She have/has __________________ .
Vocabulary : ear, glasses, hair, long, short, singer, uncle
Ask the students to write a description of you using words they know. Then orally, have the students describe famous people (i.e. the president of Korea.) Continue with practice activities such as these adding other adjectives and descriptors if necessary.
--------------------------------------------------
This lesson introduces the vital skills of being able to describe a person that may be unknown to others. Emphasize the correct verb conjugation for each subject and don't hesitate to correct students orally when you do this lesson! Per usual, if you have any suggestions, let us know!
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