Best One Piece of Advice for teaching English

[barbaram2004]

My favorite graduate school professor gave me the best piece of advice I got so far:

"Take a nap after school. Immediately. The moment you get home. You need to recharge before attempting to do any assessments or lesson planning or grading. Don't burn yourself out because it will make less motivated and less effective at school. Just rest for 15 minutes when you get home."

I do that to this day (7 years later) and I am such a better teacher for it

[CozySchool]

Not so much teaching in the classroom--but have respect for the people you work with as well as the community you live in.  People tend to forget that they were paid to do something they (for the most part) had no part in learning, and that's speaking english.  Remember you're representing your country as well so set a good example and leave behind a good impression wherever you work.   I've seen too many people embarrass themselves either with drinking too much or just making fools out of themselves because they can "get away with it". 

[lordbeardsley]

Thanks for all the helpful hints. I'm glad I discovered this place.
Best,
Megan

[bubblieri]

I wish I could just "like" some of these comments XD

I'm gonna steal the nametags, establishing rules and smile/laugh/relax tidbits. Thanks you guys!!

[yvette.ludick]

Be consistent in terms of discipline.

[KBail]

I think the best advice I've heard and could give is to be strict yet kind.  If you are strict about the little things, then big things done happen.  It's also important to be kind because, as many have pointed out, Korean students are some of the most stressed individuals on the planet; they need a little kindness, and it garners cooperation in class.

[Freeto]

Always look for ways to decrease teacher talk time and increase student talk time.

[Paisley777]

I LOVE this idea!! 

So stealing it. 

Thank you!

Advice: Create nametags for all the students.

Better yet, have the students create nametags.and at the first class, the students create a name tag. One side is written in Korean, the other side is written in English, and they are encouraged to be very cute with it. I collect all of the nametags at the end of the class, and distribute them at the beginning. I also have a plastic bag to organize the classes. This has given me a lot more power as a teacher since JU-RAN be quiet! has a lot more power than short girl with black hair be quiet.

[Domo-kun]

Show, don't tell.

[RosieWilliams]

Kia Kaha!! Which means be strong/brave and try to have fun with your kids

[benmoran]

speak good english, YES it helps with your sanity

[WorkingTitle3484]

Patience, use the Force, Think - Obi-wan Kenobi