To clarify something about some of the students' comments:
The reference to me saying "F" constantly in class is actually a threat that I will give the kids an "F" as in, the letter grade. No, I have not been dropping f-bombs in class, as my mom had thought. "I couldn't believe you were swearing at the kids," she said in horror.
I mean, I'm crazy and may even have the mouth of a truck driver, but I do have a little bit of discretion at work.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
They say it's your birthday
This weekend, I went to a famous show in Korea called Nanta. It is kind of like a Korean version of Stomp, in the sense that the performers use everyday objects to make music. The focus in Nanta, though, was cooking utensils and food. There was a loose storyline set up as 3 cooks who had to cook a massive amount of food for a wedding in just under an hour and a half. To add to their problem, they were stuck entertaining their boss's annoying nephew.
The show was, interestingly, not language discriminant. There was no language involved in the show. When they "spoke" the cast used a funny gibberish, and the audience was left to figure out the plot for themselves, which was not difficult by any means. The performers seemed to be drummers originally, who developed their talent into using a variety of items, including knives. They were extremely talented and entertaining. The humor was a bit cheesy, but I laughed at it anyway. Two thumbs up, I say.
The show was a great way to spend my birthday, and the next night I went to get Shabu Shabu with friends. My real birthday was on a Monday, so I obviously had to go into work. BLAH. I wore the happy birthday glasses given to me by the Korean staff in my classes so that everyone would know it was my special day. Then one of my students from last term brought me a cake. I have no idea how she knew/remembered it was my birthday, but it really made my day. She really made up for all those mean student criticisms on the reports. "See? some of the kids like me," I told myself.
The show was, interestingly, not language discriminant. There was no language involved in the show. When they "spoke" the cast used a funny gibberish, and the audience was left to figure out the plot for themselves, which was not difficult by any means. The performers seemed to be drummers originally, who developed their talent into using a variety of items, including knives. They were extremely talented and entertaining. The humor was a bit cheesy, but I laughed at it anyway. Two thumbs up, I say.
The show was a great way to spend my birthday, and the next night I went to get Shabu Shabu with friends. My real birthday was on a Monday, so I obviously had to go into work. BLAH. I wore the happy birthday glasses given to me by the Korean staff in my classes so that everyone would know it was my special day. Then one of my students from last term brought me a cake. I have no idea how she knew/remembered it was my birthday, but it really made my day. She really made up for all those mean student criticisms on the reports. "See? some of the kids like me," I told myself.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Purple with Rage
Friday meant the end of my second term. 6 months of teaching, done. I really can't believe I have been here that long. So Monday means new kids, new schedule, new classes. I'm looking forward to the next term because I will be teaching more upper-level classes. I am told these are a lot more fun and of course, have a little bit more mental stimulation. It will be nice to use my brain in class and stop reacting only to misbehaving children. Anyway, the end of the term also meant receiving student evaluations. The kids were surveyed, asked a series of standard questions. Most of the questions I ranked about average or a little above, compared with the rest of the staff. Then comes the Student Opinions. In this section, the students have the option to write our merits and demerits. Some examples:
Merits:
-You're kind and funny. And your voice is loud.
-You teach class so carefully and make us understand well.
-You say to me exactly so I can know the correct meaning.
-You're kind and nice so I like you. You're bright and laugh readily.
-When Critical Thinking Project finish, you give us some clap.
Overall, the merits focused on how I teach meticulously to help the kids truly understand what they were learning. I patted myself on the back...this is what I am here for, is it not? Turn the page, demerits...
Demerits:
-When I sit some seat in front of the classroom, my ears have pain sometimes.
-You nag a lot.
-You're cold-hearted.
-You act irritated everyday and say "F" continuously...I'm annoyed (this is a quote, the kid actually said, I'm annoyed)
-Other students say some Korean but you point out only me.
-When you shout, your face turns purple with rage. Please don't shout.
-You make me that I never say anything during class. Your class is so boring everyday. You get angry too much over trifles.
This last one was the one that got me the most. Clearly I am a raging bitch, but boring?! No, but really, the idea that my particular class caused a kid to stop participating really hit me at my core. My reactions to the reports were mixed. Anyone that knows me well is aware of how poorly I take criticism. I can dish it out, but I definitely cannot take it. So yes, my feelings were hurt and I felt very defensive in my head. I also knew exactly who was writing what. I have one class that continuously gives me trouble. They are a low level middle school class. Not only are they lazy, and understand maybe 5% of my words, but they are punks. They have no respect and constantly mock me and disrupt class. I have gone off on them so many times, and yes, I am sure that my face turned purple with rage. See? I'm even getting defensive on this blog right now. After a little while, I realized I have to do exactly what the reports were meant to do: take them in and adjust accordingly. Apparently I am TOO loud, that shouldn't be that hard to fix. But the irritability thing is going to be a tough one. I cannot help it; the kids drive me absolutely crazy. And the whole disrespect aspect is a whole other issue. There is nothing that will infuriate me more than an outright disrespectful student. I guess I just have to pop a chill pill before I go to work.
The other complaints were things like "bring us pizza and snacks," "you make me come back from break too early" (CORRECTION, sir, I always give you at least 1-2 extra minutes, so shut your trap). "Class goes until the end" "you take too much time on the activities." These comments I just disregarded, obviously. You think you're getting pizza after that? hell no!
My co-workers received similar criticisms, and some were more hilarious than others. One of my co-worker's demerits was "your height is small and you can't kill the mosquito," whereas one of his merits was "your height is short and that makes me feel good because I don't have to look up when I talk to you."
Merits:
-You're kind and funny. And your voice is loud.
-You teach class so carefully and make us understand well.
-You say to me exactly so I can know the correct meaning.
-You're kind and nice so I like you. You're bright and laugh readily.
-When Critical Thinking Project finish, you give us some clap.
Overall, the merits focused on how I teach meticulously to help the kids truly understand what they were learning. I patted myself on the back...this is what I am here for, is it not? Turn the page, demerits...
Demerits:
-When I sit some seat in front of the classroom, my ears have pain sometimes.
-You nag a lot.
-You're cold-hearted.
-You act irritated everyday and say "F" continuously...I'm annoyed (this is a quote, the kid actually said, I'm annoyed)
-Other students say some Korean but you point out only me.
-When you shout, your face turns purple with rage. Please don't shout.
-You make me that I never say anything during class. Your class is so boring everyday. You get angry too much over trifles.
This last one was the one that got me the most. Clearly I am a raging bitch, but boring?! No, but really, the idea that my particular class caused a kid to stop participating really hit me at my core. My reactions to the reports were mixed. Anyone that knows me well is aware of how poorly I take criticism. I can dish it out, but I definitely cannot take it. So yes, my feelings were hurt and I felt very defensive in my head. I also knew exactly who was writing what. I have one class that continuously gives me trouble. They are a low level middle school class. Not only are they lazy, and understand maybe 5% of my words, but they are punks. They have no respect and constantly mock me and disrupt class. I have gone off on them so many times, and yes, I am sure that my face turned purple with rage. See? I'm even getting defensive on this blog right now. After a little while, I realized I have to do exactly what the reports were meant to do: take them in and adjust accordingly. Apparently I am TOO loud, that shouldn't be that hard to fix. But the irritability thing is going to be a tough one. I cannot help it; the kids drive me absolutely crazy. And the whole disrespect aspect is a whole other issue. There is nothing that will infuriate me more than an outright disrespectful student. I guess I just have to pop a chill pill before I go to work.
The other complaints were things like "bring us pizza and snacks," "you make me come back from break too early" (CORRECTION, sir, I always give you at least 1-2 extra minutes, so shut your trap). "Class goes until the end" "you take too much time on the activities." These comments I just disregarded, obviously. You think you're getting pizza after that? hell no!
My co-workers received similar criticisms, and some were more hilarious than others. One of my co-worker's demerits was "your height is small and you can't kill the mosquito," whereas one of his merits was "your height is short and that makes me feel good because I don't have to look up when I talk to you."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Lovely Lisa
In Korea, they celebrate teachers' day. So, many of the students will give their teachers cards or gifts. One of my students gave me this note, addressed, To: My good teacher; From: Lovely Lisa.
Here is what the letter says:
To: My teacher
Hello? I'm Lisa. In Korea May 15th is teacher's day. So I writted a letter for you. You helped me in a thousand ways but I paid your kindness in test fail. Oh! No!!! I'm Sorry. When I did homework, sometimes is very easy, and sometimes is very hard to do it. I can't give you present. Sorry I don't have money. But I can write letter. I want you happy to see letter. Um...I don't know this word. I read book 3 days ago. Book says when we study very well, we can success. I want trust that book. I want to success. Teacher, please study hard with me. Thank you I like you and I thank you. I want you healthy. Goodbye. Teacher~
2010 years May 15th
From Lisa that like and thank for teacher
(Then there is a big thank you and what seems to be a self-portrait at the bottom)
The best part of this is where she says, "You helped me in a thousand ways..." Quick explanation: we are reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In it, Mr. Hyde writes a letter to Dr. Jekyll (this is obviously before we find out they are one in the same) saying you have helped me in a thousand ways and I have repaid your kindness with nothing but trouble. First of all, I am proud that she remembered this line, and second, how hilarious is that? Second favorite part: "Um...I don't know this word."
Lisa is quite young (3rd or 4th grade I think) and is extremely smart. I obviously laughed at the letter, but it's really quite impressive, to be honest. I wish all my students wrote me letters, but I am often told that I am mean...
By the way she chose her name from her love of Lisa Simpson, which really makes her that much cooler.
Here is what the letter says:
To: My teacher
Hello? I'm Lisa. In Korea May 15th is teacher's day. So I writted a letter for you. You helped me in a thousand ways but I paid your kindness in test fail. Oh! No!!! I'm Sorry. When I did homework, sometimes is very easy, and sometimes is very hard to do it. I can't give you present. Sorry I don't have money. But I can write letter. I want you happy to see letter. Um...I don't know this word. I read book 3 days ago. Book says when we study very well, we can success. I want trust that book. I want to success. Teacher, please study hard with me. Thank you I like you and I thank you. I want you healthy. Goodbye. Teacher~
2010 years May 15th
From Lisa that like and thank for teacher
(Then there is a big thank you and what seems to be a self-portrait at the bottom)
The best part of this is where she says, "You helped me in a thousand ways..." Quick explanation: we are reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In it, Mr. Hyde writes a letter to Dr. Jekyll (this is obviously before we find out they are one in the same) saying you have helped me in a thousand ways and I have repaid your kindness with nothing but trouble. First of all, I am proud that she remembered this line, and second, how hilarious is that? Second favorite part: "Um...I don't know this word."
Lisa is quite young (3rd or 4th grade I think) and is extremely smart. I obviously laughed at the letter, but it's really quite impressive, to be honest. I wish all my students wrote me letters, but I am often told that I am mean...
By the way she chose her name from her love of Lisa Simpson, which really makes her that much cooler.
All-You-Can-Eat
I recently went to Namdaemun market, a street market in Seoul. It is similar to Dongdaemun, a place which I have previously written about. Similarly, it had a lot of crap, but also had lots of goodies like jewelry and shoes.
It wouldn't be a true Korean experience without sporting some fake glasses. Although these particular ones were sitting out for so long they were filthy. I could barely see out of them and they left a dust stain on my nose...lovely.
We came across a toothpaste holder whose sample toothpaste had piled up for what looked like years.
As we walked, we heard someone yelling something over a loudspeaker. We soon found out it was just a recording, as the loudspeaker was actually strapped on to the giant poster contraption that this man wore. I didn't get a good picture because despite the extra weight on his back, he was moving quite fast. And also some idiots kept walking in front of him (probably to protect his message). If you cannot read what the back says, It's "Lord Jesus Heaven; No Jesus Hell." There is NO grey areas for this dude.
We were about to head out to eat when we saw a long line. Curious, we investigated and soon found out the line was for dumplings. We looked at the menu; 10 for 4,000 won. Yeah, thats a no-brainer. So I get in some make-shift line and wait what seemed like would be quite a while. However, one of the workers took my order in a backhanded way before I even got to the front of the line. Why? No idea. She was probably thinking, "alright I gotta get these foreigners out of our hair as soon as possible." I asked for ten, and accidentally got 20. I peaked into the factory-like shop where they were made. The uniforms, along with the speed with which they cranked these dumplings out reminded me of the "I Love Lucy" which Lucy and Ethel get a job working at the chocolate factory.
It had just started to rain, so, in true homeless fashion, we crouched under a bridge to eat the 20 doughy, delicious dumplings we had just gotten. Wow. There were two kinds: kimchi, and just regular pork. The box weighed about 5 pounds, so these little snacks probably filled my caloric intake for the day. There was only four of us, and we ate all but 2 out of the 20 that we had bought. I am upset that this picture does no where near the justice these dumplings deserve.
Later, we moved on to an all-you-can-eat beef barbeque. Yes, all-you-can-eat: some of the deadliest words to have ever been put together. They continuously bring out plates of different cuts of beef. I don't think they anticipated foreigners when the place was created. We can really put a serious dent in their food supply. Anyway I obviously ate my life away and had garlic and onion breath for the next 3 days....there is not much more to say about that.
It wouldn't be a true Korean experience without sporting some fake glasses. Although these particular ones were sitting out for so long they were filthy. I could barely see out of them and they left a dust stain on my nose...lovely.
We came across a toothpaste holder whose sample toothpaste had piled up for what looked like years.
As we walked, we heard someone yelling something over a loudspeaker. We soon found out it was just a recording, as the loudspeaker was actually strapped on to the giant poster contraption that this man wore. I didn't get a good picture because despite the extra weight on his back, he was moving quite fast. And also some idiots kept walking in front of him (probably to protect his message). If you cannot read what the back says, It's "Lord Jesus Heaven; No Jesus Hell." There is NO grey areas for this dude.
We were about to head out to eat when we saw a long line. Curious, we investigated and soon found out the line was for dumplings. We looked at the menu; 10 for 4,000 won. Yeah, thats a no-brainer. So I get in some make-shift line and wait what seemed like would be quite a while. However, one of the workers took my order in a backhanded way before I even got to the front of the line. Why? No idea. She was probably thinking, "alright I gotta get these foreigners out of our hair as soon as possible." I asked for ten, and accidentally got 20. I peaked into the factory-like shop where they were made. The uniforms, along with the speed with which they cranked these dumplings out reminded me of the "I Love Lucy" which Lucy and Ethel get a job working at the chocolate factory.
It had just started to rain, so, in true homeless fashion, we crouched under a bridge to eat the 20 doughy, delicious dumplings we had just gotten. Wow. There were two kinds: kimchi, and just regular pork. The box weighed about 5 pounds, so these little snacks probably filled my caloric intake for the day. There was only four of us, and we ate all but 2 out of the 20 that we had bought. I am upset that this picture does no where near the justice these dumplings deserve.
Later, we moved on to an all-you-can-eat beef barbeque. Yes, all-you-can-eat: some of the deadliest words to have ever been put together. They continuously bring out plates of different cuts of beef. I don't think they anticipated foreigners when the place was created. We can really put a serious dent in their food supply. Anyway I obviously ate my life away and had garlic and onion breath for the next 3 days....there is not much more to say about that.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Strangism
Long time no post, I know. I have gotten lazy about writing and in all honesty, there is not much to report. I've been gathering pictures of some odd/funny art (this is a very broad term) and decor that I have come across while being here. Here are just a few that I actually had my camera on hand for:
Starbucks decked out with a 3-D deer whose antlers are garnished with some lovely flowers.
A pimply teen, not yet grown into his ears. Talk about the awkward years.
Yoshi, Mario's dinosaur companion
Crash-test dummy, grieving the loss of a fellow CTD.
These seal-human hybrids really freaked me out...gave me the chills a little bit.
I'm so mature.
Starbucks decked out with a 3-D deer whose antlers are garnished with some lovely flowers.
A pimply teen, not yet grown into his ears. Talk about the awkward years.
Yoshi, Mario's dinosaur companion
Crash-test dummy, grieving the loss of a fellow CTD.
These seal-human hybrids really freaked me out...gave me the chills a little bit.
I'm so mature.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Plant Man
In one of my classes the current storybook is called "Medical Miracles." The title speaks for itself, but this particular lesson told the story of a college football player who injured his spinal cord in a game. He should have been paralyzed, but the doctors performed a "miraculous" surgery which allowed him to walk and fully function again. Anyway, we were discussing the word paralyzed, what it means, the implications of being paralyzed, and so on. One of my students volunteered his own story that he had seen on TV. He began to describe a man who had broken his neck and then became a "plant man."
"Plant man? what?" I asked, and continued to repeat the phrase, making sure the student and I were saying the same words. All of the rest of his classmates joined in, agreeing with this term, plant man, as if it were an English phrase that I was just unaware of. "I'm sorry, I just don't know what you're saying, or talking about," an expression I use often. They were persistent about this one, though, arguing that a plant man is someone who breaks their neck or has some sort of severe injury and then cannot move, speak, eat, or really do anything on their own. It finally came to me: a vegetable.
"Plant man? what?" I asked, and continued to repeat the phrase, making sure the student and I were saying the same words. All of the rest of his classmates joined in, agreeing with this term, plant man, as if it were an English phrase that I was just unaware of. "I'm sorry, I just don't know what you're saying, or talking about," an expression I use often. They were persistent about this one, though, arguing that a plant man is someone who breaks their neck or has some sort of severe injury and then cannot move, speak, eat, or really do anything on their own. It finally came to me: a vegetable.
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