1PM-1:50 PM: Coping with Cultural Confusion in Teaching in the Korean EFL Classroom
Robert M. Kim
Sometimes English teachers may feel frustrated on how to deal with Korean culture in their classroom. They may feel puzzled on why students are reluctant to participate in class. In addition, students may seem alienated or uncertain on how to take part in learning settings that are student-centered instead of the traditional Korean teacher-centered environment.
Likewise, the hierarchical Confucian structure may create an imbalance of developing rapport between students and their educator. Moreover, issues of losing face and reticence can also increase the gulf between students and their instructor. Through my workshop, I will introduce specific cultural issues that lead to subtle clashes and how to effectively deal with them through cultural awareness. Also, I will highlight how student-centered activities can be used to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers between pupils and their teacher.
Biography
Robert M. Kim teaches at Kyonggi University (Suwon campus). He has extensive teaching experience with English language learners in Korea and America respectively. Robert has an MS TESOL degree from Hofstra University and a BA history and MA Liberal Studies degrees from SUNY Stony Brook. Furthermore, he is the Immediate Past President and webeditor for the Yongin KOTESOL Chpater.
2:00PM-3:00PM: Adapting To Your Korean Classroom
Karlene Blackburn
It’s your first day. You met your Korean co-teacher; you have worked out a plan of how you are going to teach. You get to your class and the ball game changes……Then what? In my workshop I will discuss how to manage your classroom without losing yourself, dealing with your new/current students and how to either improve or create a working relationship with your co teacher.
Biography
Karlene Blackburn is current President of the Yongin Chapter of KOTESOL. In the United States she was a substitute teacher for Elementary and High School students. She has taught English in South Korea for the past five years and is currently working for the City of Hwaseong, as a Native English teacher covering third and fourth grades. She has also attended several KOTESOL conferences and the FAB5 International Conference Kitakyushu in Japan.
