2010 Workshop for New EPIK Teachers
Joo Hyun Jeon
Coordinator

The workshop, "the Guest English Teachers Workshop to Reinforce their Teaching Skills" was held on February 24th to 25th at the Jirisan Family Hotel. It lasted from 10 am to 11 pm on the first day and 8 am to 4:30 pm on the second day. One hundred eighteen Guest English Teachers attended and enjoyed the training. Although it rained during the second day, most of the Guest English Teachers cooperated well and loved their tour.
The aim of the workshop was to improve teaching methods and to increase understanding of Korean life and culture. On the first day and a half, the teachers participated in level-based lectures according to their school level. We invited several experienced Guest English Teachers for the lectures and they gave great information for the new teachers. Kurt Donald from Sunchan National University lectured about structure, routine, discipline in the classroom and working strategies within the Korean education system. Rosemarie Ferreira, a lecturer and psychologist, lectured about the principles of connection while teaching hard material. Traer Van der Merwe lectured about helping students talk in the classroom. Melanie Steyn from Sunchon National University lectured about games, time-fillers, first language interference in pronunciation, reading and social interactions.
The most interesting topic was the introduction of some games because children can learn most effectively while having fun. One great game was named Words from Words. This is a general vocabulary game and a useful filler if you have time left at the end of a class. Please prepare pencils and paper for groups of 5. Divide the class into groups of 5. Each group gets one sheet of paper and works as a team. Teachers call out a word with an equal number of letters in it, which is suitable for students' level. Each team writes the word down vertically on the left and then backwards, vertically, on the right.
Jamie Kim from Jeollabudo Education office talked about polices and managerial issues for guest English teachers. Also she talked about the renewal procedures which many teachers found relevant. When Guest English teachers complete their contracts and desire to renew the contract, they have to receive 70 points or more from their supervisor, co-teachers and the evaluation team. The final decision will be made after an interview. Applicants' character, communication ability, teaching activities, and health are taken into consideration. On the 14th of May, we had a renewal interview for 9 teachers with 3 examiners. Afterwards 7 teachers renewed their contracts.

It is useful to discuss cultural differences and co-teaching. So we had time to fill out the questionnaire and discussed their responses in depth such as "what would you do if, when students came to your class, you saw that they were really bored and tired because of their intensive study regime" and "what time do you think students should study until and why?" etc. Also it was a good opportunity for Guest English teachers could to share ideas about co-teaching. We gave time to share their ideas, questions and concerns they had.
After all lectures were finished we had a tour to Hwaum and Naesosa Temple. Wearing raincoats, we walked and went sightseeing for few hours while the guide gave detailed explanation of the temples. Also we tried many different kinds of Korean food such as Bibimbap, Gimbap, Bulgogi and Rice in stone pot. They were delicious, and the Guest English teachers loved all the foods. They also experienced traditional sleeping arrangements that are different from the Western beds. Luckily there were no complaints.

The workshop finished successfully and was helpful for all of our Guest English teachers. It was an opportunity for teachers to learn more and build a positive attitude while they continue to teach in Korea.