This document provides tips for productive English instruction and cross-cultural communication in Korea. It recommends briefly introducing students, setting guidelines, and establishing goals. It also suggests keeping lessons lively with games, visual aids, and supplemental materials. Teachers are advised to be aware of Korean cultural norms like saving face, use encouragement, and check for understanding frequently. Regular review is also important.

1. PRODUCTIVE
INSTRUCTION:
&
CROSS
CULTURAL TIPS

2. Introductory Guidelines
for the Class
1.) Brief introduction with each other.
2.) Set the guidelines clearly about what not
to do in class. For example, don’t speak
Korean. Do not say inappropriate comments
in the class such as sexual innuendos.
3.) Teachers ask why are you here?
Establish the students’ goals.
4.) For group class, you can try to have a
class president which can be motivating and
helpful for the class. Also, you can play a
name game or icebreaker game for the first
class.

3. NOTE:
 Keep in mind, Korea is a High Context
Culture, therefore, they’re not used to
western facial expressions and body
language.
SOLUTION:
 Try not to show emotion too much until
your student gets to know you better. For
example, even if your not sure about their
answers, don’t give a face like this…

4. This facial expression can unintentionally
be perceived in the wrong way,
especially for the first meeting.

5. LEADING TO UNNECESSARY
INTERCULTURAL MISCOMMUNICATION

6. LEADING TO UNNECESSARY
INTERCULTURAL MISCOMMUNICATION

7. NOTE
 Students are easily embarrassed so they
don’t want to speak English much in the
beginning and feel afraid to make
mistakes especially in front of others.
SOLUTION:
 It’s a good habit to complement them a lot
with specifics with a nice smile.
For example, saying “you did a good job on
(xyz)...” “I’m very impressed with your……. “

8. NOTE:
 Be aware that studying could be boring for
them or stressful because of their
promotion pressures. In addition, it’s a
controversial issue to get permission from
their boss to take an English class.
SOLUTION:
 It’s always good to try to keep the mood
lively and fun! For example, if the class is
low level, try to implement games or visual
aids sometimes.

9. NOTE:
 Don’t use only textbooks and CDs the
entire session.
SOLUTION IDEAS:
 Group Class: If the topic is talking about
space, start with some pictures or a video
clip with a little discussion leading to the
textbook.
 Private Class: Encourage the students to
listen to some podcasts or watch TED Talk
Videos in their free time. If the student wants
specific pronunciation improvements, give
them some tongue twisters and record your
voice on their phone so they can practice at
home.

10. NOTE:
 Students often pretend that they
understand but they won’t.
SOLUTION IDEAS:
 Ask often if they understand and emphasize
that it’s okay if they don’t understand and
you need to explain more.
Use Encouraging Phrases such as:
“Don’t worry, learning a language is not easy.”
“I’m sorry I’m confused on what your saying, so
can you try again?”
“It takes time to master a language.”
“It’s okay, try to explain again.”

11. You can make a penalty rule.
• If they break the rules, they have to pay 1,000 won
and then that money goes to a party at the end of
the session.
TIP FOR GROUP CLASS

12.  Group Class:
 At the end of every week, review the lessons that
was taught throughout the week and answer any
questions the students might have.
ALWAYS REVIEW!
 1:1 Coaching:
 At the beginning of each class, review the previous
lesson and ask if they have any questions.
.