• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.537-543
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• 2016

This paper suggests a class model to improve the English oral proficiency for intermediate low English speaking learners. Utilizing the four English skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), the class model focuses on the learners' schema and discussion strategies. To enhance the learners' motivation and match their cognitive capacity, 10 discussion topics were prepared by surveying the learners. A pilot experiment was conducted to investigate the teaching effects of the discussion class model with 26 college students majoring in English in Seoul. The participants' oral proficiency was measured both before, and after the instructions by OPIc (Oral Proficiency Interview in computer). As a result of the experiment, the percentage of participants whose oral proficiency levels were lower than intermediate mid decreased from 82% to 47%. In addition, the percentage of participants with higher oral proficiency than intermediate low was increased dramatically from 18% to 53%, which supports the claim that through discussion, the class learners' diverse and creative ideas need to be expressed in a formal and intelligible language. Finally, through the findings of the study, the possibility of a discussion class can be expected, regardless of the learners' low level of oral proficiency.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.265-290
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• 2009

The present data-driven study attempted to explicate nonnative English teacher trainees' foreign language teaching anxiety in microteaching settings from their perspectives. It is assumed that nonnative English teachers or teacher trainees may experience anxiety not only as foreign language learners but also as foreign language teachers. In order to inquire into their anxiety, the researcher had 172 teacher trainees perform extended microteaching tasks and reflect on their teaching and anxiety through group discussion. Based on the analysis of their discussion, three aspects related to nonnative English teacher trainees' anxiety were identified. First, teacher trainees identified three main types of anxiety-provoking situations: communicative-competence-threatening situations, unexpected situations, and instruction-hindering situations. Second, they identified three sources of anxiety: limited ability to use English, lack of English teaching skills, and fear of criticism. Third, they were aware that they used diverse strategies to lower anxiety before and while teaching for different purposes. From their identification and awareness of anxiety-provoking situations, sources of anxiety, and anxiety-lowering strategies, they could reflect on professional qualifications as a foreign language teacher.

• Korean Journal of English Language and Linguistics
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.211-231
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• 2003

The study of English words in terms of etymology has a long history, going back over 110 years since Murray et al. (1884). Scholars have therefore had lots of time to gather all kind of information on the origin of English words. In fact, Modern English is the product of a long and complex process of historical developments from a great diversity of sources. The origins and development of English words meaning ‘a vessel for washing, a bath or a toilet’ are traced from Old English to the twentieth century in this paper in terms of the semantic and/or conceptual categories of the words with their particular senses. We conclude this paper with a brief discussion of how the teaching of English words can give some feedback to both teachers and students under the circumstances of English education in Korea and/or how we come to a better understanding of this charming field of English etymology in its own right.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.171-198
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• 2009

The current study explored a pedagogical possibility of utilizing magic as a source of communicative tasks for young learners in developing their English speaking proficiency. Fifteen primary school students participated in the study, which consisted of a 17-week period of task-based English instruction and data collection. The participants were instructed to accomplish various types of magic task through collaborative group interaction. The data collected for the study pertained to the students' linguistic outputs, interactions in group and attitudes to English learning. They were analyzed for how magic tasks affect the students' English proficiency developments and group interactions. The study results suggested the significant improvement in the students' English speaking proficiencies. They revealed that magic tasks contributed to a) enhancing the motivation to speak in English, b) stimulating the creative and problem-solving processes, and c) providing the sufficient opportunity to repeat and internalize the target expressions. The study results also indicated that the students' satisfaction with their group members and tasks seemed to have positive influences on their interactions in group and English proficiency development. Further discussion and pedagogical implications are provided as well as the study limitations.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.273-291
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• 2011

This study investigates factors that influence ESL learners' use/avoidance of English phrasal verbs. It especially focuses on two factors, topic difference and group membership. For the purpose, 60 ESL students who took the University English Proficiency Test (UEPT) were selected, and the 60 essays they wrote for the UEPT were analyzed. All the students were with non-Germanic first language backgrounds. Among the 60 essays, 30 essays were selected from the essays written for the International Students UEPT (IS UEPT), which was required of all new international students. Another 30 essays were selected from the essays written for the Regents' UEPT, which was required of all non-native English speaking undergraduate students as a graduation requirement. Results indicate that the length of residency in the U.S. and/or academic status and semantic complexities of English phrasal verbs but not topic difference nor English proficiency affected the use of English phrasal verbs. The study ends with a discussion of pedagogical implications of the findings.

• Korean Journal of English Language and Linguistics
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.227-242
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• 2001

It is noted that although the current state of development of web-based English education (hereafter referred to as WBEE) might not meet the criteria some educators have set for themselves in the field, students certainly seem to prefer studying in a web-based and computer-assisted learning environment. This kind of demand is fueling the drive to develop more suitable variations of WBEE. In order for WBEE to work out, a teacher should be a multifunctional type of instructor handling responsibilities such as the role of scriptwriter to create text, act as technician for the sound mixing and recording, preside over online chat rooms and discussion boards, and finally, as webmaster to maintain the site and supervise all academic/ clerical work related to the course. Therefore, it is suggested that WBEE be accompanied by a small personnel to divide the labor and lessen the burden on the actual teacher. Finally, it is noted that the traditional relationship between students and teacher may no longer be sustainable since WBEE does not provide the face-to-face style of class discussion and office hours in its current form. Until the technology is fully developed to compensate for these kinds of differences, it is an immediate challenge to provide other more compelling reasons for students to participate in WBEE.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.21-34
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• 2001

Using mother tongue in English classroom is controversial. Native speaking instructors seem to be for English-only classes whereas many Korean teachers of English feel it's effective to conduct classes in Korean especially for explaining usages and functions of certain grammar or new vocabulary. In fact, many studies have supported using mother tongue. However, excessive use of it hinders students from practicing the target language. Obviously it doesn't necessarily have to be all or nothing system. The study shows the positive role of mother tongue in written form based on the results of the students' academic performance at Chung-Ang University's summer program 2000. The results indicate that using mother tongue in written form helps beginning level students understand grammar and vocabulary more effectively, leads them to do better on tests than those of English-only class, and encourages them to actively get involved in class discussion and responses.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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• 2022.06a
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• pp.249-250
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• 2022

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the development of the Guidelines on VTS English language competency test, according to IALA Guideline 1132 - VTS Voice Communications and Phraseology. As the foundation for improving VTSOs' communication capabilities throughout their career lifecycle in terms of training, accreditation, and revalidation, a development of a VTS-specific language testing system with explicit language testing evaluation criteria becomes more critical. With the aim of facilitating the discussion, a range of suggestions to be considered in the development of Guidelines on the VTS English competency test are made

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• no.1
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• pp.1-20
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• 1995

Nowadays in Korea the subject of English education has been rising as one of the essential matters which need to be emphasized, reorganized, and thus refined. From the history of about one century to the current, English education may be compared to an adolescent who should be paid much more attention to grow as an independent adult. Although we recognize that there was much improvement in the past age of English education, a lot of assignments to solve await us. This study aims to suggest a recipe for optimal learning in English classes by linking theory with practice: First, the nation-wide academic associations of English teaching should act more energetically and cooperatively than ever. They need further specialization, dynamic participation, and systematic organization. At the same time the academic journals of their own should be publicized broadly, internationally as well as nationally. Second, there should be close contact and discussion between professors and secondary-school teachers. To achieve better learning in English classes, an effective cycle of equilibrium ought to be maintained by combining theory with practice. For example, language institute in universities/colleges can serve instructional programs such as lectures, colloquiums, and intensive courses for conversation. Third, native speakers of English should be positively utilized. Teachers had better keep close contact with native speakers as frequently as possible if they want to become fluent or at least acceptable speakers in English. Teachers may also use native speakers as aides in their classes.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.sup2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2008

When you present a medical scientific paper or give a lecture in English, It is important to visit your presentation room in advance to gain familiarity with the controls and the computer. You can check how to use the mouse or laser pointer and determine where the microphones are. You should meet the Chairman and introduce yourself. You may ask the Chairman any questions you have. I am confident this strategy will work for beginners because they are usually nervous before their presentations. Most Chairmen prepare one or two questions for the presenters to stimulate discussion. Speaking with the Chairman also allows you to determine the type of English that he or she speaks (i.e., French-English, Spanish-English, and British-English). You need to be comfortable with the Chairman's English before the presentation because the Chairman will repeat the questions for you when you do not understand a question from the audience. Although I have given a number of lectures and moderated many scientific sessions and symposiums in English over the past 20 years, it is still difficult and stressful for me to do these in English because English is not my first language. To overcome the problems, I have written down the questions and useful English expressions that I have received during or after my presentation because I found them helpful for my next presentation. I hope the examples will be of great help to you.