Managers in any job have one main purpose: to be the absorbing sponge between two hard materials. They are like the spine of the corporate system: bridging the brain with the rest of the body to work with ease and efficiency. However, it is not an easy job balancing the needs of the teaching staff along with the wants from the higher ups. So, having had both good and bad managers, I would like to tell you about one of my best experiences with management at Chungdahm.
Read MoreTags: student management, Training Center, training week, class management, teacher testimonial
One of my biggest regrets when coming to Korea was that I didn’t begin to learn the language until my second year of teaching. If I had learned the language, I firmly believe that my first year here would have been even more amazing than what it was. While knowing Korean isn't required to teach for ChungDahm, you will find it is very beneficial to at least of have a general understanding of the language for things like using public transportation, reading a menu and understanding your students, especially if they are younger. Learning the Korean alphabet (Hangeul) only takes a few hours as King Sejong, the writer of Hangeul, made it so that that each letter represents movements made with the mouth and tongue. Below I have provided a list of common words that you should know when dealing with Korean students as well as Korean staff members during your time teaching in Korea.
Read MoreTags: student management, Students, English in Korea, Korean students, class management, learning management, school supplies
One of the best times and hardest times as working as a teacher/faculty manager is when I have to do teacher evaluations. As a faculty manager, I am responsible for making sure that my teachers are doing their best whenever they are in front of their classes. This is rewarding and challenging at the same time. It is completely easy to give praise when someone is doing well, however for some it can be difficult when you have to give a poor review. In my experience, most teachers would like to know different techniques so that they can improve. I know I do. In this blog I will offer tips to help you excel in the classroom while teaching in Korea for ChungDahm and in return earn a positive evaluation.
Read MoreTags: student management, Students, Motivate Students, CCTV, teaching,, new teacher, learning management, student surveys
At Chungdahm Learning, Week 1 is where all the magic happens. As a teacher you will know that those first moments are imperative for setting the tone for the rest of the semester. First impressions and introductions go a long way with regards to student management and an active learning environment. The way you handle your students and their behavior on the first day, will go a long way to making your classroom a happy learning environment and your time teaching in Korea a memorable one.
Read MoreTags: student management, First week in Korea, English teacher in Korea, teach in Korea, chungdahm, smart classroom, training week, ESL, chungdahm learning, teaching job, classroom materials, reward system, teaching rules, learning management
If this is your first time teaching in Korea, it can be quite intimidating especially since you will be handling students. I remember when I got here, I wasn’t sure how I could connect with my students. I wasn’t fresh out of college and I wasn’t accustomed to the Korean culture. One of the things my trainers at Chungdahm told me to do was to brush up on Korean pop culture and ask my students’ about their daily lives. I think because I started to watch and listen to the Hallyu or the Korean Wave (Korea’s version of Hollywood), it has me a better teacher. To be successful, bonding with your students about different subjects can make your life teaching a lot easier.
Read MoreTags: student management, Students, Korean students, Kdrama, students in Korea, KPOP, seoul comic books, class management, webtoons
Chungdahm Learning is a massive company that has various branches and franchises domestically and globally. Recently, CDL expanded its international horizons, and has opened up new academies all over Vietnam. The company also has locations in Philippines and America.
Read MoreTags: creativity with students, student management, international, teaching at Chungdahm, teaching,, chungdahm, class management, chungdahm learning, international teaching jobs, project based learning, growing with Chungdahm, Chungdahm locations, transfer locations
When people are interested in working for ChungDahm Learning, many people do not realize that we also teach beginning level English courses. This is an interview with our senior April Institute (sister company of ChungDahm) instructor Erin Stuebben. We have been working together at the GangDong Branch for almost 3 years now.
Read MoreTags: student management, April Institute, teaching at Chungdahm, ESL, chungdahm learning, teaching job, teaching abroad, teaching kids
I think one of the biggest fears that many newcomers have when working for ChungDahm is getting to know the Korean staff. At my branch, Gangdong, they are more than just administrative staff. We acknowledge them as 'Korean teachers' since they do way much more than just answer phones. If you are part of the April Program, you do have Korean co-teachers (not to be confused with the Korean administrative staff). As a teacher who has been working here for 5 years, I’ve seen a number of the Korean staff come and go but I still stay in contact with them. One of the reasons why I haven’t left or changed academies is because I love the people I work with. The Korean staff have become my friends and strongly I suggest that you get to know them as well during your time teaching in Korea.
Read MoreTags: student management, teaching at Chungdahm, chungdahm learning, teaching job
I took a teaching job in Korea with the plan to take a one year break away from my career as a bank manager. I never expected to stay for four years. But I have, probably because, I really enjoy teaching and I am making good money. After four years as an expat in Korea, I have learned that people with certain interests and personality traits thrive in a teach abroad job. If you are considering teaching abroad, ask yourself these three questions. If the answer is yes, and you have evidence to support your answer – you will thrive teaching and living abroad.
Read MoreTags: student management, Students, Teach Abroad, living in Korea, tips, teaching at Chungdahm, motivating students, teaching advice,, teaching jobs, class management, teaching kids, teaching adults
One of the initial struggles every teacher usually goes through, whether it's teaching English in Korea or back at home in your native country, is building relationships with your students. As a male teacher I found it hardest to build a rapport with my female students. The key I have found to strengthening the teacher-student bond is becoming knowledgeable of what kids, in this case Korean kids, are passionate about. For girls I have found the best way to relate with them is through Kpop and for the boys it is through sports and video games.
Read MoreTags: student management, Teach English in Korea, Students, sports in Korea, quiet students, Videogames Korea, motivating students, KPOP