Seoul Chapter November Workshop - November 19, 2011

Cultural Conundrums in the Korean classroom
and how to overcome them.

3-5 pm Saturday November 19, 2011
Room 105 Injaeguan Center, Sookmyung Women's University

 

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.

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If you like to plan ahead, consider joining us in December as well

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation (and Discipline)

 In the EFL Environment

3-5 pm Saturday December 10, 2011
Room 105 Injaeguan Center, Sookmyung Women's University

After a brief review of what intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are, and the four major schools of thought on motivation, we will look at some common problems encountered in the Korean EFL classroom and discuss some effective solutions for them based on both the attendees and the presenter’s experience. Participants will walk away with some (hopefully new) ideas for how to keep their students under control and on task during our often limited class time.

Biography

Tory S. Thorkelson (M.Ed in TESL/TEFL) is a proud Canadian who has been an active KOTESOL member since 1998 and has presented at or worked on many local and international conferences in Seoul. He is the Past President for Seoul Chapter and is an Associate Professor for Hanyang University’s English Language and Literature Department. He has co-authored research studies (see ALAK Journal, December 2001& June, 2003 as well as Education International September 2004 V1-2) and a University level textbook, “World Class English”, with a team of fellow Kotesol members published by Hakmun Publishing Inc. On a personal note, he married his Korean wife on July 6th, 2002 and has acted in local Drama Productions like “I Do Not Like Thee. Dr. Fell” and “A Christmas Carol – the Comedy” for The Seoul Players – a group he helped found in Seoul. His daughter, Jean, was born May, 2008 and he is now pursuing his Doctorate in Professional Studies from Middlesex University in the UK.