a question with no right answers

I once again face the timeless question as to the best way to assess and grade students effectively. This past week I was responsible for testing the entire first and second grade in oral proficiency. They were given a sheet with the questions in advance and were to prepare adequately for the exam. Going into these tests I must admit I had very low expectations. Theorists would bash me for creating an environment which perpetuates a self fulfilling prophecy. But much to my surprise, the students were on the whole, fantastic and well prepared. I grade them between 12 and 20 and many of my students in the higher level classes were receiving 20's. After completing testing for nearly 3/4 of my students, my fellow co-teachers inform me that they think I am being too generous with my grades. I definitely ruined a few perfect averages for students while teaching back at home so this came as a great surprise.

My students were asked to prepare responses to 20 questions. If they understand my questions quickly and answer all of them accurately, coherently, and at a relatively fast conversational speed, I believed they should receive a 20. It is imperative to make expectations explicit to all students. Of course a student who responds with a 10 sentence response surpasses in skill, the student who answers the question with little detail. But in the end, can we punish a student for not preparing a lengthy response when the only direction given was answer the question? And what's an adequate response for one student may be completely unattainable for another. Take my fluent speakers. I have much different expectations for each student. Not differentiating instruction or assessment to fit the needs and abilities of each student merely impedes on their learning experience. You can not set the bar of fluent speakers receiving 20's and everyone else falling somewhere below. The fluent speakers are few and far between. There are students who are completely unable to speak English in the classroom. Yet they studied so hard, they were able to master the speaking test. I believe their efforts should be recognized. Although I am a strong proponent of the mindset that A's promote complacency and F's demoralize-when it comes to a subject where on whole, all students feel extremely self conscious-an A can go a long way with building confidence in my students. If I can build the confidence of my students, or make English a bit more enjoyable I feel as though I have succeeded. And if that comes in the form of a perfect score for a student who tried her/his best, so be it.


Finally to comment on a institutional flaw within most education systems. The Korean education system provides systematic ways to segregate its students. Thus providing an unequal opportunity for certain students to excel it English while others falter due to financial restraints. Private institutes give students the opportunity to improve their English, frequently having native speakers teaching the course. Students who are exposed to this type of learning environment on a regular basis are more apt to perform at a high level than those who do not have the means to attend such institutes. Not factoring this concept into my teaching practice inherently discriminates against those students whom for whatever reason, do not attend hogwan. Though, it seems the Korean Ministry of Education is trying to change this. By 2015 they want all English teachers utilizing English in the classroom as to diminish the need for Hogwans. Should be interesting to see how that fairs.

Should assessment in all educational systems be utilized to rank students; thus pitting them against one another? Or, is it to track individual progress? All of my students rank across the board in ability. My goal is to help each student progress at a rate that is realistically feasible for them. In turn, my assessment should reflect this mindset. Hypothetically a student who never speaks in class and has trouble listening and talking, walks in and answers every question well, that is what I am judging them on; how he/she performed in the 3 minutes they were talking with me-NOT how they did yesterday, how they will do tomorrow, or how they did in comparison to the student who has had 3 homestays.

the secret life of korean men

Korean men lead multiple lives, I am sure of it. Quite regularly, my host father disappears into the night. This is not your traditional, heading out with the boys at a reasonable hour either. Instead, my host father will receive a phone call, dress quickly, from the looks of it demand money from my host mother and head out the door. This happens at 9 pm, 11 pm; at any given time. He may not return for hours and many times days. I don't feel like it is appropriate to ask exactly what he does or where he goes but I sure as hell wish I knew. Does he go on wild soju binges, patronize the local noribang and find a suppliment for the wife while the family and children are home sitting around a bowl of lamien and kimchi? Where does he go? Sometimes he leaves with envelopes-"what could it be," i think to myself, "drugs, mafia dealings?" This is not particular to my situation either. i have heard from others, that their host fathers also mysteriously disappear for days on end. No one in the family seems phased by hiw absence, and yet no one seems to mention his whereabouts either. Ko Yo Bin, Ko Yo Bin where do you go when the lights go out?



*free bottle of soju to the one who can accurately answer what the last line refers to?

Grandmothers

Perhaps I was just blessed with an amazing grandmother, I mean I know I was-but I sort of thought it was a pre-requisite for grandmother's to be skilled at ironing. Clearly this is not the case and i was gravely mistaken. the time was 7:20. "Perfect" I thought to myself, "I'll iron this jacket in 2 and be out the door and in a taxi by 7:25." I walked into the dining room, and attempted to communicate with my homestay grandmother that I would use the iron. She gave me this look like "you know what an iron is?"

Through a variety of hand gestures, pointing, shaking the jacket and so on, I assumed she would let me be-understanding that she was communicating with a college grad, whom at some point probably had to utilize and iron. This was also inaccurate. She took my jacket and I proceeded to watch the worlds slowest ironer. Prior to this, I had actually thought to myself "what clothes is she ironing out there?" I hadn't seen a pile of clothing by her side and what I realized from looking at the drying rack, her 25 minute stint with the iron was merely for 1 shirt. So much for that 7:25 taxi ride. I settled in, terrified that her lack of ironing skills would result in iron burns on my leg. This, almost came true a few times. Now call me obsessive, but I don't find anything more aggravating than ironing in wrinkles to a piece of clothing; not only frustrating beyond belief but counterproductive. Now take, watching someone else iron in wrinkles to your clothing and that's a whole other story. Especially when I tried to insist that I could do it myself many times. The time was now 7:32, we're still on the jacket. Now I know patience is a virtue...i guess I am not that virtuous. And by the way, I know my grandmother is amazing for more reasons than her unbeatable ironing skills.

accomplishing goals

Prior to our departure from Kangwan University, we had an orientation workshop regarding goal setting while in Korea. Needless to say, one of my goals did not become clear until I actually arrived in the 굠실 (teachers room). But after my first dinner, it was crystal clear; I would attend the second round and sing noribang with my fellow co-teachers over a few drinks. I was down and out, feeling discouraged that this may in fact, be an unattainable goal. I was down trodden and had accepted my fate. That is, until this past Friday evening. THAT'S RIGHT I MADE IT!!! 1 GOAL DOWN. Now drinking at the second round is only for the fearless few. And I have learned Korean men truly love rambling with a microphone in hand; a past time I could do without. And, the rhythmic inaccuracies when it comes to tambourine playing is a bit much on the ears as well. I wanted to make it to the second round to fight the sexist drinking practices. And so I did. It was quite a scene. Following noribang, while most of the teacher stood bumbling outside drunk but still craving more liquor to quench their thirst, one of our students emerged from his Hogwan. Yes, his teachers were drunk as skunks. And after a brief interaction, one teacher gave the student a dollar to "go buy ice cream." What a sight to be seen in America. You emerge from a full day of studying just to see your teachers smashed on the sidewalk. Needless to say I would be furious. Different cultures, I'll say. Now the second round was grand. I think there is something to be said about the camaraderie built by socializing outside of the school space. But I am content with the fact that I made it. The men are a bit much when they drink. Case in point, one individual said "you look beautiful while drinking." Now, either way I take this negatively. Intended meaning #1. You only look hot when I am drunk. Clearly making references to beer goggles is never something one wants to hear. Intended meaning #2. You look good drinking. Possible that this in fact was what said individual meant since the following comment was, "women don't drink because they worry about their house." Being the liberated female in Korea, I was proud to assert my freedom and non-chubu status. I am sure it is refreshing to see women drink once and a while. But still neither make me feel too good. Much of the men's behavior could be perceived as harassment in America. They say some inappropriate things, and I can't believe I am saying this-but I am glad to have had my co-teacher present should anything have come up. Fortunately things stayed calm and the evening was enjoyable. I was impressed how the liquor loosened them up with regards to the English language. I had no clue so many people were competent speakers. All in all, it was nice to feel like the most responsible member of the party, even after a few drinks. Nice, or pathetic-I have yet to decide. I am glad to have accomplished my goal, but I may opt out of the next 2nd round.

The "bad students"

I really like the students who are considered the "bad students." They are hip and defy authority in a great way. They transcend traditional roles of students and push boundaries in a restrictive culture of schooling. These are the students who "spend time with their friends after 3 days of extensive testing rather than going home" as one teacher put it. These are the students who don't really care about English. Then again, did I care about many subjects when I was their age? Hell no my parents will attest to that one. My favorites include "the girl who got her labret pierced only to take it out after having a teacher reprimand here. Then there's the girl who steals 1st grader's money...ok so that isn't good, but yesterday she hugged me and took me under her umbrella because it was raining and said cooold in Korean to me. She also wears 2/3 of a 3 piece suit-so rad. Then there's the crew that hangs out in City Hall after 9pm. Let me tell you, its strange to see your students when you are going out for a drink. These are the students who spike their hair defying dress code. They have girlfriends and boyfriends. Commonalities between these students-they have fun. I like the students at Ara middle school that have fun. I'm quickly realizing that there is rarely any time for Korean students to have fun. In fact, the one's that do have fun are considered bad. This system just wouldn't work for me. See the "bad students" at ARA aren't taking part in gang warfare, or gun fights in back alleys. To my knowledge they aren't doing drugs or taking part in malicious acts-although I heard once a group of 3rd graders were caught trying to rig vending machines to get the coins to dispense...who hasn't tried a prank like that? They merely don't look at studying as the be all and end all to life. And in my opinion, despite the fact that unfortunately they will fall short in a society which values such a thing-they, in actuality are are "the smart ones."

I mean look at these girl's intimidating faces. Clearly look like hoodlums to me-up to no good. Aguma's lock your doors.

The Goodness

It's been a while. I can't muster up the energy to recap all the tales, I must say following wild events such as pony fighting and MBC stardom, it's hard to top.

I guess I will take a moment to recap travel plans since they are falling into place as we speak. sure is the life here in Korea. I have a 2 month paid vacation starting on the 22. I will promptly hop on a plane and fly into to Tokyo to meet the most fly, hip gal I know. That's right, Yumi Aikawa and I will team up to take Japan by storm rounding out 2006 in style... Or at least mayhem. I'm thrilled to see this country with someone who speaks Japanese. And if I can't be in the states for Christmas and New Years, there's nobody better to spend the Holidays with. Phenomenal, fantastical, wild, adventurous, and epic are all words that accurately describe this upcoming New Years. I hope kareoke is involved.

Following my travels in Japan, I have exactly a week before I need to be in Seoul. With no real financial restraints, the possibilities are endless. Any suggestions as to what and where I should go would be greatly appreciated. I arrive in Seoul on the 8th, hopefully I will celebrate my birthday with good people! I start teaching an intensive 4-5 hour language course for two weeks. But you see, room and board are paid for and in addition, I receive $2000 for 40 hours of teaching. Might I add this is in addition to the 1400 paid vacation. This will be a great opportunity for me to explore Seoul, I don't get there much since I live on a beautiful island where the temperature still hits high 70s in late October.

Immediately following the course is the beacon of light that gets me through the tough days of teaching. Which means, every day I click on this link http://www.exotic-hideaways.com/villas/canggu/index.cfm/view/villa/bali/3907240506/.
and my purpose is clear once again. Teach until December 22 and you will be rewarded, handsomely.

I love my students but teaching is so hard. I am coming to terms with some of my neurotic tendencies that could pose a problem in my ability to effectively teach. I am too much of a control freak to teach. In teaching, things are in constant flux and I am willing to negotiate my lessons in order to embrace those teachable moments. But sometimes, I need things to go a certain way. For instance, my students should not be talking when I am talking. And if any of my teachers are reading this out there, yes in particular my middle school teachers-I APOLOGIZE...PROFUSELY for being that chatty student with poor conduct grades. I am being punished now let me tell you. I have tried various techniques for engaging students, but when their language abilities are so low, some tactics don't work no matter what. But recently, when students don't listen I just let them keep talking and rush my lesson. I feel defeated each time this happens. I feel like I lost, and y'al know how much I hate that. It's gotten to the point where I don't care. And, this apathy is prompted by other teacher's lack of caring. One teacher said, "just let them talk. It's ok. There's nothing you can do." I try to seek advice but it rarely proves successful. I think I am failing at all the crucial elements of teaching-consistency, organization and the willingness to assert myself even if it is at the expense of a student liking me. Especially here in Korea, where I do not give grades, I feel like I can afford to care whether students like me. Especially under a system where grades are the be all and end all-I am considered a fake teacher and treated as such. Therefore, why not be a friend of the students? It's such an odd position. And one I am probably not navigating as well as I could.

I am concerned that I will not want to teach when I return to the states-but I know I definitely don't want to sit at a desk all day. I only teach 3 classes a day, but I am forced to stay at work all day-thus providing me with ample opportunity to browse the internet to my hearts content. Just what I needed-a catalyst to further an already sick addiction. Clearly I fit in fine with the other computer addicts. In my invitation lesson many of my students "DREAM PARTY" was held at the PC BANG. In fact the Korean D.A.R.E. equivalent works to fight drug addiction and PC BANG addiction. Apparently students are not only addicted to computer games, but internet porn as well. Both of which, are at the disposal at the local PC BANG. But let me tell you folks, even I-yes I, lauryn McCarthy am growing tired of the Facebook. Although, the news feed does a great job of giving me a brief overview of updated pages so that I do not need to pointlessly peruse profiles without updated info. It has gotten to the point, where I am sometimes bothered by interruptions by those in the 굠실 (teachers room.) Who knows, during that brief 5 minute human interaction, hell someone could come back from idle status on gchat. Or, someone could email me! YOU JUST NEVER KNOW. And let me tell you, I want to be there to see it. Ok maybe it's not that bad, ok maybe it is. Hell give me a job where I can be outside all day. This would not be a problem.

Well was that some rambling or what? Following Bali-where my rocks papers scissors skills will come in handy at securing the bedroom with a dramatic large balcony dominating the pool and offering a magnificent sunset sea-view, we hit up Shanghai-word is a personal driver might be in the mix there. Now that's something. Might I add the philosophy that paper can't beat rock will be thrown into the mix should anything go wrong with the acquisition of the bedroom of my dreams. Paper is supposed to magically wrap around Rock leaving it immobile? Why the hell can't paper do this to scissors?- Lauren W. I will argue this to the death.

We will hit up Korea for the last two weeks before coming back to Jeju on time to teach a two week winter course- which is also paid. AND the schedule works so I can attend the Fire Festival on Halla to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Despite my apathetic thoughts during the middle of this post, the bagels with Philadelphia cream cheese at Holly's Coffee make me happy. Middle school boys walking with arms over eachother's shoulders makes me more happy. And all the people in my life in Korea make me well, just ecstatic. If the damn kids would just shut up-I would be golden

copyright infringement?

Many people note the hip look the Macintosh line of products has going. Moreover, what would a Mac be without the apple logo? Nothing I tell you. It guides me to my computer at night, while stubling in the dark; the general aesthetics are just too good to handle. And as i putter around on my sleek Macbook, I ponder an important question. Does Macintosh pay royalties to the creator of the McIntosh apple? I mean sure John McIntosh is dead, but is there any compensation going to the family that hails from Dundas county in Ontario? Back in 1811 they knew what was goin on when they planted those apple trees. Not only does the Macintosh use the name, they also co opted the cute image of an apple. Is that fair game under public Domain? Does the difference in spelling affect the situation at hand? Macintosh: ingenious product design or name/image stealer.

Ships, Flims and Raves

Let me pose this question to you, it's been nagging me for quite some time. What is the protocol for pronunciating words that are cognates of English words? For instance "Cafe mocha" or "television." Do you go the extra effort, making a fool of yourself by highlighting your poor accent and say the English word with a foreign accent? Cape mooocha? telebisheeion? Everyday I struggle with this dilemma.

I packed my bags and embarked on a journey to the Pusan International Film Festival. What to expect of the weekend, I hadn't the slightest clue. Kate, Alex and I set out around 6 pm only to be delayed by the passing of a parade. My first thought after hearing the rumbling of drums, the attack has begun-the million man N. Korean Army is invading Jeju. Well, not really, but the thought crossed my mind. We arrived at the ferry terminal only to be greeted by an incoherent mumbling man who quite frankly scared the hell out of me. Now to the best of my knowledge, the ferry is a bit of a Jeju island enigma. It's there for the using, but most islanders are either unaware of it or would never use it. At first it seemed like a logical thing. Who in their right mind would opt for an 11-hour ferry ride when they could reach the mainland in 45 minutes for the same amount? Clearly we did. We boarded the massive ship, passing by security in a flash. Reached our room and settled in. What ensued can only be described as mayhem. After a rousing Chorus Line sing a long-of which Alex did not take part, we set out to explore, or rather do one full walk around the ship. For such a massive mode of transportation, there were limited areas to explore. We did run into a family from Seoul who was just departing from Jeju. Their reasoning for heading to the island in the first place, nerves from the possible nuclear attacks by our neighbors in the north.

After dozing off to blade 3, I awoke feeling as though I was about to face death on a capsizing ship in the east sea. Fortunately we arrived in Pusan soon after. Following a dance party to fully awaken ourselves, we emerged onto the docks of the Pusan Ferry terminal, and started our day.

Kate proved that the bathroom on the ship was not an option to freshen up, as she nearly vomited from the nauseating odors. We wandered the streets of Pusan trying to get some coffee in our systems and figure out our ticket situation. Unfortunately, despite Koreans early morning tendencies, no eating establishments open until mid morning. What kind of society functions before 10 am without a good cup of coffee and baked goods?

After wandering aimlessly, we got our coffee, tickets and were set up for a fantastic day.
He Korean film Dasepo Naughty Girl was an interesting and provocative glimpse at sex culture. Although it was aesthetically pleasing, the story line was fragmented. "Holly" was a film that had an activist feel to it. It depicted the harsh realities of sex trafficking in S.E. Asia. It starred Jack Berger from Sex and the City, and there were a lot of good things going on. A few trite moments, but definitely worthwhile. The next film was our favorite by far. Elementary Particles was a German film about the parallel lives of two unseemingly similar brothers. It walked many fine lines. And although there were many opportunities to fall into a plethora of film clichés, it never crossed the line. Try to get your hands on it. I know I will be checking out the director's other films as soon as I can. Our final film "The Optimist" depicted life in post Milosevic Serbia. I wanted to love this one. But the timing, due to a jam-packed day, did not allow me to have the attention span to fully appreciate the creative dark comedy. It showed triumph and optimism during trying times.

Met up with Nat Kingdon briefly after our film fiesta. I don't think it actually clicked that we just met up in Korea. In a whirlwind of events, we were informed that a rave was next on our schedule. We wandered around trying to meet up with the fellow fublrighters would get us to this late night shindig.

The beats were kickin, too bad we were the only ones whose moves went beyond the traditional head bob. The absence of glow sticks made me question the authenticity of this supposed, "Rave" but nonetheless I got to get down with good people.

The proceeding events of the evening were less than enjoyable. 2 hours of wandering motel-to-motel trying to get a room, only to have no luck led us to hop into a taxi and make our way out of the PIFF proper. Good things come to those who wait apparently-we finally got the circular bed!!! Oh the decor!

Sunday gave us the opportunity to see the Pusan Biennial. Unexpectedly we found ourselves amidst a comic book conference as well. href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5422/3048/1600/n5900030_30372622_6887.jpg">


Fellow Smithies-think SSFFS. Costumes, swords and live action role-plays Korean style. WOW.

A quick and delightful plane ride was followed by a debacle of a bus ride. Quickly realizing we had hopped on an outbound bus, my hastiness and impulsive side got the better of me. Kate and I decided unexpectedly to get off the bus without realizing that Alex was unaware of this spur of the moment decision. In fact we did not realize this until we saw the bus drive away, Alex still aboard head resting his arm, looking disillusioned and frustrated with what had just occurred. Perhaps this was the lack of sleep that any of us had received. Surprisingly we all met up after a call from Julienne confirmed she had just found a wayward lost boy in city hall. Cheesy pork rice ended this ridiculous weekend of antics.

Now I am off for 3 days due to midterms. Rest is definitely in store. With the exception that I am going out with friends from Jeju every night. I have already been invited to first and second round by a JIBS news reporter and some local Jeju police. Networking folks. Drinking with the local police seems like a great idea.

Where is she now? A glimpse at recent Smith grads - Features

I was never in the Sophian for anything productive while I was at the college....well no scratch that- I made some police blotter headlines here and there.
Where is she now? A glimpse at recent Smith grads - Features

Politicized party invitations cont.

You Are Invited

Where: North Korea

When: Tomorrow

Who: Soth Korea People

What are we doing?: We throw the nuclear to north korea.


Psycho Party

Event: Nuclear launch detected

on a more uplifting note, I did receive an invitation that read

Invitation

Where: Hotel
SOJU PARTY
Who: my friends
GOOD TIME

I guess that has depressing elements as well...i mean teen alcoholism.