I’ve taught over 250 students from around the world in 1:1 Korean lessons. Most students have been kind and had a great attitude toward learning, making teaching a joy.
However, there were a few students who made lessons a bit challenging. Why was that? Today, I want to share three behaviors that students should avoid during Korean lessons, based on my personal teaching experiences.
Silence
There's a saying, "Silence is golden," meaning it's wise not to speak unnecessarily. However, in Korean lessons, silence is not golden at all. Even if what you say isn't perfect, it's crucial to speak as much as possible.
In a 1:1 Korean lesson, the method of the teacher simply explaining grammar or vocabulary without interaction is not very effective. In fact, it’s much better if the student speaks more than the teacher. Frequent communication is key, and that’s the advantage of a one-on-one lesson.
I once had a student who was quite good at Korean, but she barely spoke during class. Whenever I asked her questions, her responses were short, and she often had a blank expression, making the lesson feel one-sided. While she didn’t seem dissatisfied with the lessons (she kept booking more), it took around 10 lessons before she finally started smiling and talking more. I believe she was just a very introverted person.
I understand that because I'm also introverted. However, during lessons, I act more outgoing, and students should do the same. In a 1:1 lesson, students should take full advantage of "the opportunity to speak in Korean" as much as possible.
Lack of Patience
I once had a student who showed almost no patience. Out of the 250 students I’ve taught, this was the only one like this. He had been living in Korea for three months and had been studying Korean on his own without much success, so he signed up for my lessons.
Initially, things seemed fine. Though he was a beginner, his pronunciation was pretty good. However, it didn’t take long for him to get frustrated by his own lack of progress. He couldn’t tolerate the fact that he wasn’t fluent after just a few lessons. Of course, it's normal for a beginner to struggle with a new language, but he couldn’t accept that. In the end, I didn’t feel like continuing the lessons and stopped after just three sessions. This was the only time I’ve ever had to stop teaching a student.
Learning a language takes time. It requires patience and consistent practice. You have to repeat the same things over and over again. Over time, you’ll see growth, but it’s a slow and steady process. Patience and a long-term mindset are essential.
Criticism
Many of my students enjoy Korean dramas or K-pop, but most simply like Korea in general. As a Korean living in Korea, I’m well aware of the negative aspects of my country, but I’m always grateful for students who appreciate Korea despite its flaws. I see myself as a representative of Korea and make an extra effort to be kind and welcoming in class.
However, one student seemed to dislike Korea. He generalised his negative experiences from his short time living in Korea and criticized the country as a whole. I tried to explain things from a broader perspective, but it didn’t help. His constant complaints made the lessons unpleasant for both of us.
When learning a new language, it's important to show respect for the culture and people who speak that language. As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Making an effort to understand and appreciate a country’s culture is key to building positive relationships. For example, when I visited India, I ate with my hands, and when I went to Thailand, I greeted people with palms pressed together, just as they do. These small gestures show respect and, in turn, help you earn respect from others.
➤ In conclusion, the relationship between the teacher and student is even more important in 1:1 lessons than in group classes. A good rapport can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the lessons.
Fortunately, the behaviors I’ve mentioned here are rare, and most of my students have been fantastic. In fact, I’ve learned a lot from them as well, and as a teacher, it only makes me want to give back more by teaching them in the best way possible. I’m sure you, the reader, are also one of those exceptional students!
