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.

 

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.