Hi Alistair, First of all, thank you for the kind words. It is very encouraging to hear that I am doing well as a teacher, and coming from you means a lot. Also, thank you for getting back to me. I wasn't sure if my concerns were particularly articulated in the email, but you really hit the nail on the head. I think I may have been getting too ahead of myself with too many objectives. I think you are right in saying that my job is really to help improve the students' conversational ability and to increase their level of confidence in using English. Also, I agree that "The students should make mistakes & shouldnt be concerned about syntax or grammar. They will never remember all the rules to English." as I cannot explain to them the rules of English like their Korean teachers can in their mother tongue. True to your suggestions, I have been doing many activities outside of school with my students. I have gone shopping with them, Lotteworld and dinners. I have also been teaching students one-on-one how to write essays and, have also been sending them practice listening tests. So in that regards, I am definitely getting more involved with the students' learning experiences. However, in terms of class work, I felt like I haven't been dong enough. Anyway, I have spoken to my co-teacher about this, and we came up with the solution that I would attend some of her classes just to observe and help out in any way that I can, so that I could learn a thing or two. This made me really happy, because I wanted to improve my teaching skills. I think my co-teacher is an excellent teacher so I'm very excited to learn more from her. Anyway, this is the update on my teaching experience here in Incheon. Aside from that, I went to China during Chuseok and had a lovely time. I stayed in Beijing for 4 days, and 1 day in Yantai, where I got to attend my friend's wedding. Did you manage to go somewhere with your family? I think it would have been lovely to just spend some time with them, is that right? I guess that's what Chuseok is all about. It is a thanksgiving holiday after all. Some friends of mine went to Busan during Chuseok, and said they really enjoyed it. I am very keen to go one day, and will definitely give you a call when I'm there. But in the mean time, emails will be a great way way to keep in touch. I hope I am not bothering you with my questions, and if it's ok with you, I'd like to come to you should I have any other questions in the future. Hope you're keeping well, take care and be in touch.
Rose