One of the most difficult hurdles that native English teachers face when they arrive in a foreign country is finding a way to make their lessons appealing to students. Since we’re not allowed to use the local language in class, making the class seem approachable for students when they may not understand a single word we are saying is vital. Even with having a co-teacher in the classroom to translate, the native language teacher cannot depend simply on that translation, and should work to make their lessons stand alone, without translation needed.
One of the easiest ways to make your lessons instantly appeal to your students is to make references to the local pop culture. Depending on the age you’re teaching, this could be as simple as learning the names to the popular cartoon characters and using them in your PowerPoint presentations or flash cards. Sometimes, you’ll luck out, and there will be characters you recognize from back home, such as Spongebob Squarepants. There are local cartoon characters that the students will also respond to as well. Doraemon is popular across most Asian countries, as is Geroro. Anpanman is popular in Japan, while Pororo the Penguin is very popular in Korea. It’s quite easy to find out who your students like simply by looking at their pencil cases.
Knowing the cartoon characters does work, but the older students, especially grades five and six, require a little more research. Think back to when you were a pre-teen. You had favourite TV shows, bands and actors. These students all have their own favourite songs and shows, and there are some TV characters and shows that are engrained into the culture here. Even if you don’t understand the language, watching TV and recognizing what is being referenced in commercials and talk shows can often help with making references that resonate with your students. For example, knowing the characters in shows like “Secret Garden” or ‘Boys Over Flowers / Hana Yori Dango” and using them as names in sample sentences can keep the students interested. Also using these famous actors, singers and characters in your PowerPoint presentations will compel your students to keep watching and pay attention, because they may be able to see their favourites on the big screen in the class.
For most teachers, getting to know the basics of the local pop culture may end at being able to recognize a few television shows and actors, and knowing a few names. For others though, and the ones who end up being most successful at communicating with their students, they begin to learn the ins and outs of the culture around them. Just like they may in their home country, they begin watching the shows, listening to the music, and finding their own favourites. If you do have a favourite show, a favourite actor, or a favourite group, never be afraid to let your students know this. Your interest in their culture will make you relatable, and the students will be more than willing to talk to you about their own favourite shows and groups. Your students will be using English in a practical manner (something that is quite difficult at times in a classroom environment) and you will be learning even more about the culture around you!