“Gilda felt quite isolated and was keen to improve her conversational English so she could meet more people. “Gilda had been on the waiting list for a while when Dianne kindly offered to take another learner,” says Tracey. It could also ensure lesson continuity if learners go home for long trips. Tracey Ellis, English Language Partners’ Coordinator for Blenheim, says Skype provides a valuable additional tool and teaching method that gives tutors the option of working with more rural learners. Now the option of Skype lessons has been opened up to many other tutors and learners in Blenheim.
Keen not to miss the opportunity, Gilda’s daughter suggested she could begin learning with Dianne via Skype, the free software application that allows users to make voice calls over the internet and talk and see one another ‘live’ via their computer screens.ĭianne was happy to try, and the project has proved a great success. Gilda (Guo Du Song), from Blenheim, whose first language is Mandarin, was eager to improve her conversational English, but when a home tutor became available she was about to visit family in China. They love to talk about famous Korean destinations and places to visit.Dianne Wilson taught Gilda, for three months before they met in person – thanks to Skype. Korean people are generally passionate about their culture, particularly pop culture and history. Familiarise yourself with beliefs and traditions so that you can better understand your students in your online classroom. Learn about Korean cultureįinally, take some time to learn about Korean culture and traditions. Finally, give positive feedback, and always be supportive! 3. Using the topic of jobs is a great way to start your discussions because Korean students are usually very focused on their first job. Establish a positive environment of trust and mutual respect and your online English classes with your Korean students will go smoothly. They might initially lack the confidence to feel comfortable speaking and learning in an online classroom with a foreigner.įocus your first few classes on getting to know your student(s) and building a relationship with them so that they feel comfortable learning in your classroom and taking risks in their journey to learning English. This would be true for any group of students but particularly true for teaching Korean students. In your online classes, focus on this by using strategies like questions, interviews, role-plays, and partner/small group work (if you teach more than 1 student). This would be very true for their English classes so having a conversation is typically an area that they will struggle in. The teacher stands at the front of the room and lectures giving the students very little opportunity to speak, converse, and practice communication skills. Korean students spend much of their day sitting in classrooms in very traditional approaches to schooling. What do you want students to see when they enter your classroom? Is your classroom inviting and welcoming?ġ. Your classroom background is one of the most important parts of your classroom.