Educational Anecdotes

Want to hear a funny teaching story? Last month in one of my lower-level classes we were talking about items in a house, like tables, chairs, walls, etc. Then one of my students asked what I thought was a completely random question: "What's the difference between 'cabin' and 'log'?" The two go together, yes, but they were pretty far off-topic.

So, shifting gears, I proceeded to explain what a cabin was and got blank, confused stares. Then some other students said, "No, teacher, KAHr-BEDD!"

Then I understood.

Koreans pronounce "carpet" and "rug" ("lawg") the same as "cabin" and "log." And we were talking about a rug, so now the question made sense. So I gave them a little pronunciation lesson, and then answered the question. Adventures in ESL. Very funny stuff...

I was also told by a student that I look like this guy:

Yes, all you "Smallville" fans out there; that's Tom Welling, who plays Clark Kent on the popular TV show. "You look good, and kind, and innocent...like the guy on 'Smallville'." That's almost a direct quote. And speaking of direct, Koreans are VERY direct and open with their comments...yes, even the women (the comment above was from a male student). No, I'm not letting it go to my head. But I'm not complaining either :-) !

All very interesting and humorous, don't you think?