Again, we're at Sanji University in Wonju!
Room: 2105 Dong-ak Kwan
Again, we're at Sanji University in Wonju!
Room: 2105 Dong-ak Kwan
This next chapter meeting will be especially for EPIK teachers! We will have three feature presentations.
Curb your enthusiasm: Managing pedagogical expectations in the Korean public education sector
Filipp V.S.
This presentation-cum-discussion will focus on the structural aims of the English curriculum within the Korean public education sector. The participants will be given a brief experience of what the English curriculum builds up to, in the form of a short Suneung question. The presentation will focus on analyzing and determining the beneficial & counter-productive elements of how English is taught and tested within Korea. The participants will also have a chance to share their views on the positive, negative and ambiguous elements that work together to shape the English ‘industry’ within Korea. The conclusion will focus on maintaining personal and linguistic principles.
Filipp has been an EPIK teacher for four schools in Gangwon-do since 2018 teaching both middle and high school students. He has taught English (home and first additional level), history, geography and business studies at both primary and high school levels (grades 4-12) in South Africa. Filipp has a Bachelors in History and English Language & Literature and a Post Graduate Certification in Education.
Building a good school relationship
Ludmia Naar
My 45 minute presentation will concentrate on how to build a good relationship with your school. It can be overwhelming to move to another country and adapt to a different culture. Some of us may have a fear of one day making a big cultural blunder that could set an awkward tone with the school. A wise person once said, “don’t sweat the small stuff” and by the end of the presentation, you won’t have to. My presentation will help you avoid any awkward encounters. We will talk about school etiquette, greeting co-workers, staff dinners, teacher association pay, and the basics to Korean culture. With more cultural insight and understanding, many EPIK teachers don’t have to worry or question most of their actions or words. After the presentation, there will be time allocated for any questions.
A Native of Miami, Florida in the United States, Ludmia Naar, is an EPIK teacher in Goseong. She describes her journey to Korea as "exciting and unpredictable." Ludmia holds degrees in International Affairs and Business Law from the University of Miami. Shortly after graduation, a friend recommended that she look into EPIK. In a blink of an eye, she was on a bumpy plane ride to Seoul. Ever since that day, life hasn’t been anything short of boring for Ludmia. Teaching has became a passion she didn’t know she had. Currently, she teaches elementary and high school in Goseong and is also the district coordinator.
Let the blocks tumble: Using Jenga in the classroom
Justin H.
This 45-minute workshop will focus on how to use old-fashioned Jenga blocks in the classroom. Jenga is an outstanding activity to reinforce speaking skills that remains relevant in today’s technology-driven classroom. The class will be divided into four groups. Each group will receive a set of Jenga blocks and an envelope of strips corresponding to the number. The strips are in question format. They are adult-level questions (i.e. “What is on your bucket list”) and geared towards native English speakers. However, the premise of this workshop is to demonstrate that this activity can (with the appropriate target language/content) be used for ESL students of any age or ability level. Time permitting, the presented will also show participants how to use another activity, known as four-square or “box ball.”
Justin H. is a regular presenter at KOTESOL and other local workshops. He has served as a chapter vice president with KOTSEOL since December, 2018. In a separate role, he mentors Native English Teachers and helps them become accustomed both to teaching itself and to Korean and Asian culture. He also became a member of KOTESOL’s environmental special interest group in September, 2019. An American and a member since 2014, Justin has 12 years of classroom teaching experience. Of those, six have been in South Korean schools. Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s Degree in Education. He teaches elementary, middle, and high school students.
We will also have an idea swap where we can share activities and compare notes, and a discussion of EPIK teachers’ needs and wants for next year’s International Conference by Michael Free.
A social dinner will follow the meeting, provided there is enough interest.
