University Instructor Days End

I finished my last day at Kunsan National University (군산대학교) in Gunsan, South Korea, yesterday. For the past few days, I have been going into the office to hear students complain about their grades and ask questions about why they got a C instead of an A. In total, I had 3 students come in to see me. I had to go in for two hours a day, which isn’t that long, but I got paid for the whole day.

My experience at this university has been really good. I have learned how to teach adults effectively. I have actually learned how to use a lot of the techniques and practices that I learned in my TESOL Certificate course. I found myself enjoying some aspects of it, such as dealing with students who were patient and mature. I also hated other aspects of it, such as students being forced to learn it when they are really not that interested in it.

I have learned a lot from my co-worker, Brett, about teaching adults in an engaging way. I learned a lot from him about other things as well, but that is a separate post altogether. I have also learned a lot from my boss, Adnan. I was always a bit uncomfortable with him since he is such a perfectionist, while I am more of a big-picture kind of guy. He is more interested in the rules and regulations, while I am more interested in making sure the students are enjoying the class. He is a great teacher, but I always felt a bit uncomfortable around him. In the end, he gave me a huge compliment, remarking on how much I have improved over the time I've been here. He also let me know that he was willing to write a letter of recommendation, something he rarely does.

Coming to Gunsan helped me a lot to become a better teacher, and I will always be grateful for the experience.