• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.55-75
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• 2006

This paper attempts to discuss the complex nature of social contexts regarding English language education in Korean middle school and to demonstrate the affective factors that should be considered to find appropriate approaches within the context. To do this, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 85 middle school students regarding learners' motivation, and attitudes toward EFL learning. Additionally, teachers in secondary school were asked about the general circumstances of English language education. Findings indicate that in spite of the participants' high instrumental motivation, they rather show a negative attitude toward English learning. This paper intends to raise practitioners' attention to the fact that the effect of learners' affective variables on EFL learning seems distinctive depending on the host country's EFL contexts.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2001

The current status of in-service teacher development shows that teachers' awareness can be enhanced through critical reflection. This study shows how an English teacher improved her own teaching situation through action research. It reports back the action research the teacher-researcher carried out in the EFL classroom setting. Aiming to improve the pupils' English speaking ability, the teacher introduced 'Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT)' to the English class. The teacher and the pupils took part in the evaluation process of learning and teaching. It was found that the new approach to teaching speaking helped the pupils improve speaking ability and take an active role in learning process. It is further suggested that teacher-initiated action research can be done in collaboration with colleagues, administrators and researchers.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.345-355
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences of the metacognitive awareness of reading strategies which gifted English language learners (GELLs) and general middle school learners (GMSLs) used while reading English test-typed texts. 74 GELLs in a gifted program of C city and 90 GMSLs in the southern part of C city participated in this study. The MARSI questionnaire was administered to the GELLs and GMSLs at the end of the semester. Frequency and t-test were used to examine the differences in metacognitive awareness of reading strategy use between GELLs and GSMLs when reading the English test-typed texts. Based on the analysis, the study discovered that GELLs were likely to use metacognitive awareness of reading strategies more frequently than GMSLs. Also, GELLs tended to use more global and problem-solving strategies than GMSLs. However, there is no significant difference in support strategy use between the two groups. In conclusion, the study suggests pedagogical implications for GELLs and GMSLs' effective English reading.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.213-246
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• 2012

This study aims to investigate how the EBS English (EBSe) After-School program has been implemented in after-school classrooms. It also aims to examine the needs of the teachers and the students involved in the program, as well as their evaluation of the program itself to date. The EBSe After-School program has recently been launched and used in public school contexts less than a year. Thus, it is necessary to examine ways how the EBSe After-School program has been applied in real after-schools; and how the program has been perceived by the people engaged. The study was conducted in 19 elementary schools and 12 middle schools, which ran their after-school classes utilizing the EBSe program. Questionnaires were given to the 52 teachers and 1,258 students using the program. In addition to the questionnaires, syllabi and lesson plans of the after-school classes have also been inspected. The study finds that, despite overall satisfaction with the program, only a small portion of students participated in the after-school classes. Another finding of the study is that there was much difference in the way of implementing the program between the elementary and middle schools. Finally, the study makes some suggestions for improving the program.

• Educational Technology International
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.58-83
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• 2015

Digital textbooks draw attention as a new format of educational material, using the advantages of information technology; this innovative learning tool requires consideration as a part of successful and effective learning. The main purpose of the article is to investigate the mediating role of self-regulation between digital literacy and learning outcomes (academic performance and learning motivation) when using digital textbooks as a learning tool in Middle School English. Both descriptive and regression analysis were used as data analyses methods. The main findings of this study were as follows: first, digital literacy and self-regulation significantly predicted academic performance and learning motivation; second, self-regulation fully mediated between digital literacy and academic performance; third, self-regulation partially mediated between digital literacy and learning motivation. The research results proved the effects of digital literacy and self-regulation on the learning outcomes and mediating role of self-regulation between digital literacy and learning outcomes. These results help to design and implement effective lessons when using a digital textbook in Middle school English.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.69-75
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• 2022

This study investigated the English learners who are over 40 on their attitudes and perception for lifelong education by dividing them into age groups of middle aged and elderly learners. To this end, from May 20, 2020 to June 30, 2021, 80 participants attending lifelong education centers in North Gyeongsang province were surveyed on the demographic characteristics and interest, necessity, passion, advantage, hindrance, learning motivation, preferred subjects, and learning methods. As a result, it was found that elderly learners showed a more positive English learning attitude than middle-aged learners, and both groups considered the communication area important in their learning motivation and preferred subjects. In regard to hindrance toward English learning, different factors were shown according to the age groups along with lack of confidence in English. Differences were also shown in preferred learning methods. This study suggested the possibility of learning outcomes according to the positive learning attitude of elderly learners along with the need for detailed English program design according to learners' age.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.121-127
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• 2023

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the responses of middle school students to English learning after conducting English writing activities using DALL-E2, an image-generating artificial intelligence tool. To this end, an experimental class was conducted for 3 weeks for 15 middle school English learners, and the results are summarized as follows. First, as a result of a survey on English writing activities using DALL-E2, it was found that confidence, interest, and awareness of writing using artificial intelligence-based tools changed positively. In addition, it was confirmed that there was a statistically significant difference, which meant that learning using artificial intelligence had a positive effect on English writing and overall English learning. Second, as a result of analyzing the English writing activities using DALL-E2, core themes could be extracted into three (cognitive, affective, and psychodynamic characteristics), and the use and implementation of artificial intelligence-based DALL-E2 in English learning showed potential to increase learning interest, challenge, will, and desire in learning and ultimately contribute to enhancing productive skill.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-115
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• 2020

We aimed to understand how English textbooks in Korea reflect English education policies for improving the English language learners' cultural ability. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, we used the method of analyzing English textbooks because English textbooks are an important tool that most specifically reflects the English policy of a country. This study analyzed middle school English textbooks currently used in Korea. We analyzed nouns/pronouns related to cultures presented in the reading section included in each unit, and compared cultural diversity and cultural identity included in English textbooks in Korea. As a result, it was found that Korea tried to introduce the diverse cultures from the world and promote Korean traditional cultures into the world. So the cultural policy of English education in Korea can be evaluated to be appropriate for cultivating Korea young learners with the cultural capabilities which are essential to be successful leaders in the globalized world.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.217-235
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptual learning style preferences of 97 Korean EFL students in middle school. Furthermore, it examined if students' learning styles varied in terms of gender and grade level. Data was collected by using Reid's (1987) PLSPQ and a personal background questionnaire and was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, MANOVA, ANOVA, and t-test. The results revealed that subjects had all six major learning styles but among them, auditory, group, and visual styles were the most preferred by them. The results found in this study, presented that Korean EFL middle school students favored learning English through listening, reading and working in groups and that younger students preferred learning through physical involvement and practicum. The findings of this study provide a number of useful insights for EFL and ESL educators and instructors in Korea. The current study suggests that a great number of variables such as culture, learning situation of the target country, age, and grade level can all play important roles in shaping the learning preferences and the learning styles of students. Considering these variables and promoting a curriculum that is interesting, appealing and successful may help maximize student L2 learning.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.199-216
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• 2009

This study investigates how Korean speakers develop their interlanguage of English passive constructions with a reference to the learners' grammar proficiency levels. Sixty two college students of different levels of English participated in this study. They were asked to complete a sentence-completion task. Their production was classified into accurate passives, malformed passives, pseudo-passives, unaccusatives, and actives according to the use of transitive, ergative and unergative verbs. They then were further analyzed depending on the subjects' levels of grammar by three main factors: L1 transfer, the English voice system, and universal cognitive factors. The results showed that the subjects of the lower group produced more pseudo-passives, malformed passives, and overpassivization than those of the higher group, and even subjects of higher group still made passives for ergative verbs. It was also shown that L1 and universal factors had more influence on the lower group than on the higher group. Based on the analyses of the subjects' responses, the development of the English passive system by Korean learners is shown and some implications are suggested for effective teaching of English.