FAQ

These are frequently asked question about me and my teaching. These quick and easy answers to common questions will let you know a little bit more about me.

Both of my parents are educators, so I learned the value of education early in life. Since grade school I’ve been a diligent student who never saw learning as something burdensome, rather it’s something to enjoy.

I have a business and technological background from my Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems from the College of the Bahamas. After gaining my associate degree, I attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism.

Since August 2005, right after graduating, I have been teaching in South Korea. During that time I developed a passion for teaching and want to improve my skills. Along with my in class experience I have formal training to teach TOEFL and I intend to peruse a Master’s Degree in Education, TOEFL, or Communication.

You should hire me because

I am a trained teacher.
I have more than 5 years of work experience teaching in many different settings.
I am professional and have good work ethics.
I work well with others.
I learn quickly.

My key strengths are:

Communication: Understanding, and being understood.
Building relationship: Working well with others.
Positive presence: Expecting the best from each situation, while helping and encouraging others.
Analytical thinking: Giving perspective on a thought or idea from many different angles.
Research: Finding information.

Any culture should never be viewed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, rather all cultures are ‘different’. We should always be open and seeking to understand those differences.

I enjoy Korea’s way of life. As with all cultures, it has its ups and its downs, but I think the reason I’ve stayed so long is that at the root of this culture, it closely reflects my own personality.

Although sometimes Korean can be wary and careful of foreigners, (it’s understandable considering Korean history is full of war with other countries trying to rule them) if a foreigner has a learning spirit and shows respect for the culture, Korean society opens up and is very hospitable.

Different approaches are more effective depending on the class size, age and learning style. Personally, the most appealing style would be an eclectic approach, because it takes into account that classes and groups are dynamic.

I believe people learn better if the material:
1. is something they can relate to and it is something from which they can make a reference.
2. engages them and is presented in a method that caters to their learning style.
3. has purpose and there is a reason for them to learn it.

Until teachers actually step into a class, interact with the students, and know them a bit, it’s hard to say what is the best method for the student. Of course, teachers can have some fore knowledge and be better prepared with a dominate method in mind.

Since grade school Koreans are taught by rote learning. I believe this is due to the large class sizes (sometimes up 40 students), and the large amount of material to be covered. When they enter a language class for the first time, of 15 to 20 students, the majority of students are extremely shy and do not readily interact. In these cases, I believe an audio-lingual method works best, but only for a time. Later a CLT (communicative language teaching) approach should be used, as students become more relaxed.

It is easier for the teacher to manage a large class with the audio-lingual method, and the students start practicing immediately. Unfortunately, the students become like drones unable to have natural conversations. (Korea spends the most money on language learning, but ranks low in TEFOL results and consistently shows no improvement.)

This method of teaching may not go so well with a Thai class focused on just enjoying the lesson, or even a class of Korean children after a long day of school and after school activities.

If the course is focused on smaller classes with 4 to 6 students, it would be different. I may do one of two audio-lingua exercises to get them speaking, but the majority of my lesson would use a CLT method. Then I would include other methods as I saw necessary.

I like the CLT because it makes the language practical to the students and it gives the language meaning to the students.

If I am teaching young learners, definitely I incorporate TPR, songs, and/or chants, usually early in the lesson. These always go well with young learners.

The most time effective method would be a blend of methods that bring out the best in the teachers’ students, and again, teachers will see which method should be used as they interact with their students.

Outside the classroom I like to stay active. I participate and support the local performance arts scene and spoken word community. Also I enjoy futbol (soccer), running, and most physical activities.Powered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.5

Because my mother is Asian (Filipino), I always wanted to travel to Asia. Also, I enjoy being exposed to new cultures, connecting with people and hearing their stories. There is no better time to gain new experiences then right after college. Korea was the best offer at that time.Powered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.5

5 good reasons to invite me for an interview are:

We can speak Korean together. You can see if I know this language.
Professionalism is best experienced in person.
You can see if my skills and personality match well with your university’s work environment and team.
It will be well worth your time and I’m sure you will enjoy the interview.
I usually carry a deck of playing cards. If you invite me for an interview I have an great card trick to show you. : )

The two areas I am trying to develop are:

1. Managing my time better. I get things done on time and they are done well, however personally I know they could have been better if I started earlier.

2. Acting without over analyzing. Often I think, plan, and talk to long; all without acting.

My father. A friend wrote the line, “In a world where men must search for heroes, before I went looking, you found me.”(paraphrased) This line expresses how I feel about my father.

He is a hard worker and has achieved much from his humble beginnings as an ‘island boy’. Through it all, he always made it known how proud he was of his boys and he always made sure we knew.

Now, my father has his faults and shortcomings, but when I see what he as achieved in spite of those shortcomings, it has had a positive influence on my life.

The best way to contact me is through my contact page, or sending an email to marcus[at]marcushiggs.comPowered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.5