Abstract:
Appointing a BAN-JANG-NIM, or class captain, is extremely helpful to EFL teachers and students alike. A class captain can be a communicative liaison between the non-Korean teacher and his/her Korean students. This presentation will focus upon the positive aspects of a class captain. This is the 6th consecutive semester that the presenters have been utilizing a BAN-JANG-NIM. There are a multitude of benefits and virtually no drawbacks, so this would be an interesting topic to introduce. While the use of a BAN-JANG-NIM is standard practice in the Korean educational system, it remains largely unknown to native English speaking instructors in Korea. We will discuss how the use of a BAN-JANG-NIM (class leader) may benefit the instructor, the students, and, most importantly, the BAN-JANG-NIM himself/herself. In our experience, we have found the concept of a class captain to be a very effective way of communicating with our students on a deeper level. This acquired knowledge facilitates a better understanding of Korean culture; it is a "win-win" for everyone. Through this workshop, we wish to share practical techniques that EFL instructors can immediately employ in order to integrate the use of the BAN-JANG-NIM system into their own classrooms. Attendees will receive a detailed step-by-step handout with information about how to elect a BAN-JANG-NIM. In addition, attendees will receive a sample certificate that can be awarded to each BAN-JANG-NIM at the end of the semester/course. Our workshop will concentrate on ways that a teacher can utilize the services of a BAN-JANG-NIM in their classrooms right away. Most importantly, the BAN-JANG-NIM system has a benefit to EFL teachers of all age levels covering the gamut of student English proficiency abilities.
Jared Sandler's Biography:
Born, raised, and educated in the United States, Jared backpacked across South Korea before deciding to embark on an EFL career back in 2008. He first lived in suburban Seoul, but quickly moved to rural Gyeongsangbuk-Do to begin work as an English professor at Gimcheon University. The highlight of his first two years in Gimcheon was co-creating a location-based smartphone game called QR Quest. Jared is also keen to continually improve the Ban-Jang-Nim system with his students. He is currently a professor in the Departments of Physical Therapy, English, and General Education at Gimcheon University. Jared's research interests are not limited to Computer Assisted Language Learning or Collaborative Learning; he is also keen to explore other areas of TESOL such as Total Physical Response and Content-Based Instruction. Jared is a master's degree candidate in the dual degree program of St. Cloud State University and Woosong University.
George Balarezo's Biography
George Balarezo first came to Korea in 2008 and has been enjoying life to the fullest in the Land of the Morning Calm ever since then. Before teaching university students at Chung-ang University, he worked at a public high school for several years and also taught at a private academy. George has been studying Korean language intensively throughout his stay in Korea.
