Abigail Berman



Teaching in a TaLK classroom has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, full of challenges and success. Teaching abroad in South Korea is something many dream of. Actually becoming a teacher is not without its challenges, but it is one of the most personally rewarding experiences you can undertake. Taking the plunge to become an international teacher during the time of a global pandemic can be seen as something risky or scary. However, I say it is an exciting opportunity. Learning how to live your life in a foreign land while educating the next generation is a thrilling thing to participate in. While there are a lot of emotions that come with teaching, it is such a great feeling when you see your students and they are excited to talk to you. You will feel a sense of pride when speaking about them.



You must make sure your first priority while here are your students. Of course being able to travel around South Korea is an added benefit, but each and every day, you need to show up for your students. By making English class an exciting time for them, they will look forward to the classes in which you are teaching. It is important to provide a safe environment for students where they knew it is okay to make mistakes. In doing this, they become excited to show you new English words or phrases they have learned. The standard listen and repeat after me is not exciting. While this is the most traditional way of learning a language, it is not the only way students can learn. But utilizing tools such as board games, TPR games, and individual whiteboards, the TaLK Scholar can create an interesting and intriguing learning environment. It is so important to hold the interest of the students. If they think the class is boring, most of them will not participate. But by encouraging them through a variety of games and activities, you will be able to meet the needs of all your students. By switching between team and individual games, writing games, arts and crafts projects, and board games, the TaLK Scholar is ensuring there is an activity or game that every student enjoys. I have learned that older grades (5th and 6th) tend to like more competitive computer games, while the younger grades (2nd, 3rd, 4th) really enjoy hands-on activities that involve the whiteboards or crafts. Each student learns in a different way, so the teacher must be aware of what activities work best for each class. This comes with time and after becoming familiar with your students. Make activities for your classes that you yourself are excited to teach.

Even though there is a language barrier, students are almost always eager to meet you and talk to you. There are ways you can communicate besides speaking in long sentences. TaLK Scholars should become prideful in their acting and miming abilities. The students enjoy watching you act out a game and singing along to songs in class. This encourages them to also try. If they see you participating, they might feel more comfortable. Some advice I would give is to not feel embarrassed. Show your passion for sharing your culture and your language. Embrace your inner child, and learn to have fun while teaching. If the students can sense your enthusiasm, they will respond in the same way. By making classes memorable, you are helping them remember English words and phrases over time.

An additional piece of advice I would give, is to be to keep a record of your classes or a teaching journal. This is not something that has to be completed after every class, but if an activity or game is really successful (or not successful), you will be able to refer back to your notes when lesson planning in the future. You can reflect on your techniques and figure out what needs to be changed or improved. New TaLK Scholars and veteran teachers alike can benefit from this practice. This can help improve the quality of your curriculum and after school classes. By doing this, your co-teacher will be able to sense your dedication to your students. Even if you do not have a co-teacher, this will benefit you and your students, eventually making your teaching methods more successful. Students and other teachers will know that you are truly investing your time into making the classes you are present for as efficient and effective as possible.