Language Teaching 47
The Joys of Teaching as a Filipina Compiled by Dr. David E. Shaffer When thinking of expat English teachers in Korea, first thoughts are of North Americans teaching in public schools, private academies, and at the university level. Next to come to mind may be expats from the UK/ Ireland, Australia/NZ, or possibly South Africa. Much overlooked, however, are the female Filipinos (Filipinas) teaching English here. Taking into consideration the sizable number of Filipina teachers in the area, we have asked a number of them from varied teaching contexts to describe their teaching and living experiences here in order to provide a broader understanding of their situations. What follows are their accounts.
The Joys Are Countless
The teaching I do is game-based learning. I also keep in mind the VARK model of learning styles (i.e., visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic). I have some books that I use from time to time, but I do not always base my lessons on books. And I do not stick to a particular method of teaching, for I know that one size does not fit all. I try to teach my students the things that they need to learn and the practical things that they can use in everyday settings.
It Is Really a Great Joy
Mary Joy Escobal is a missionary volunteer at the Gwangju Dream Seventh Day Adventist Multicultural Church
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At first, I found it so hard to teach the Korean students because of the language barrier. We could not understand each other, but by the grace of God and the help of our deacon, who volunteered for five months to help me with my class, I was able to adjust easily. It is really a great joy for me to teach children, especially when you can see that the little ones are changing and improving not just academically but also in character. We just meet twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, but I feel like we are just friends talking and learning new things, enjoying the classes, and sharing the foods we have. They are teaching me Korean as well, and even though our deacon has stop attending our class, I am able to make friends with the students and bring our classes to a happy ending.
August 2020
I do not feel that I am competing with teachers from English-speaking countries for job opportunities. I know they are better than me when it comes to speaking English. Besides, though we are running in the same race, we are on different tracks. I believe God gives us different gifts; I just have to use mine and do the best I can in teaching my students. I have realized that teaching is not for everyone; one must have patience, passion, and guidance from Above. I hope that I can convey to my students not only knowledge but also wisdom.
Teaching English Bible studies is my primary work as a missionary of the Lord. I have a small group of six regular Korean English Bible students who are children (my other Bible class students are all Filipino adults). Our aim is to teach not just subject matter (English) but, most of all, the character and the love of Christ through English action songs and Bible stories.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The joys I get out of teaching are countless. My students are my inspiration. I get my daily dose of energy from them. Seeing their faces makes me happy. One of the most rewarding feelings I have had was when my most difficult student improved not only in his English skills but also in his behavior towards me. It was one of those magical moments in teaching.
located in Gwangsan District. She has been living and working in Gwangju for almost two years. Here is her account.
EDUCATION
“Emma” has lived in Korea for 25 years and has been teaching English for the past two decades. She teaches elementary students at two academies in two districts of Gwangju. Here is her account of her teaching experiences.
7/27/2020 12:28:34 PM
