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I arrived in Korea on Nov. 2002 and since then have the pleasure to teach them. Korean kids are so kind, and always touch my heart with their little gifts and wonderful smile.
Maybe that is why it's so hard to leave them or punish them.

Usually, my director (Mrs. Lee) and I sit and try to discuss what works in class?

¡°What stimulates the children and older students?¡±
¡°What is the best style of teaching?¡±
¡°What is the secrets of learning a language?¡±

¡°How we can motivate students and make them enjoy learning English?¡±

¡°What is the elements and ingredients for a good teacher and a good student?¡±

How we can make our students think and teach them to be a person with passion, Courage, generosity and style in life.

Different children learn differently. (Every student is wired not the same.)
Some visually, some verbally, some...

But I think we need a very detail teacher to detect such an element in class.

In general Korean students have rich vocabulary but they don't know how and when to use them.
I have many students that came from other institutes, that couldn't answer a basic question after many years of studying English, but they can spell hippopotamus or grasshopper.

So we need a system to allow children to use what they learned in class, and express themselves.

But even before that students must understand the English word structure and them.

They should really comprehend the words that, they are using in various situations in real life.

Then they should repeat that, not memorize that. I know most Korea children and even some of their teachers love memorizing instead of repeating.

I speak more or less over 5 languages, and I learned that by excessive repeating.

Also, many parents love to acquire speedy English language, but there is a great danger to that.

Students who go to higher levels without understanding the word order and proper phonics structure and most important lack of confidence to use their English knowledge.

I think the fundamental of learning is to make you feel good about yourself and give you self-assurance.

But I see many students faith to themselves and pride crushed in English institutes, for forgetting unimportant things, and as a result they see learning English as another burden to their hectic daily schedule.

However, I believe many Korean students don't have the habit of listening.

In order to be a good speaker, one should be a good listener. (That is maybe why deaf people can't speak properly.)

Often when a teacher engages in a conversation with a student, other students assume it's time to do other things or simply talk together.

With all respect, I see this habit in Korean adults, so I don't blame my students entirely for that.

I remember a few years ago, when I was teaching Finance in Concordia University, in Montreal, at the end of the term, one student asked me with a smile "you taught us many formulas about Finance, but more important, you never mentioned the formula for women.

I answered you are asking me a million dollar question.

I am not sure, but I know one thing ; In order to have an ideal female friend you should have an excellent listening habit, great charm and manners and good deep pocket."

I know it's hard for my students to listen when they are bombarded with different subjects and most of all they are tired.

They body langage and their eyes are concrete evidence of that.

Parents have to decide, what is more important for their children future, studying English, play piano, cello, going to various art classes or ..

So it's crucial parents know the priorities in their kids energy.

I teach different subjects in ****; Reading, Writing, Phonics, but I always try to have basic friendly communication with my students in every class, and correct them with a warm smile through the class.

I try to speak in their level and make sure they understand me.

I love my students to trust me and I enjoy when they come to me with their personal problems.

I often observe my students and try to know their needs in class.
In my heart I knew for the love they give, I don't do much for them.

2 weeks ago, my (1 Grade 6~9 Month) class asked me "What I would really like for my birthday." When I told them, "Some hair for the middle of my head." (I know it's hard to believe) but all ten of my students stated to pull their hair and before I can stop them, my hand was full with their hair.

That is why I give next to nothing to my students compared to their affection and care.

I respect all my students and try to be their friend and role model forever.

Hosse (From Canada)
Masan-KyungNam Summer 2004.