This study aims to collect and analyze Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)-related research in Korean language education to identify emerging trends. It examines 28 academic articles published in Korea from 2020 to 2024, using text mining and language network analysis methods. Term Frequency (TF) and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) analyses revealed that studies on curriculum design and application in Korean language education appeared with high frequency. Semantic network analysis identified key research directions, such as comparing proficiency level systems in Korean curricula, proposing “mediation” activities based on CEFR, and evaluating CEFR as an assessment tool. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling categorized the studies into three groups: (1) research directly analyzing CEFR, (2) research applying CEFR to overseas Korean language curriculum design, and (3) research comparing existing Korean curricula with CEFR. This study is significant as the first to analyze CEFR-related research trends in Korean language education. By employing objective data analysis tools such as text mining, it enhances the reliability of findings and provides valuable insights into recent research trends.

The Capstone Design class, operated in the Project Based Learning format, is a class in which three groups of learners produce assignments such as beginner-level Vietnamese conversation textbook manuscripts, lecture notes, and lecture videos by following the process of ‘assignment (first draft) - peer evaluation - reflection of peer evaluation opinions - revised manuscript - reflection journal.’ In this study, we analyzed the presentations of the first and second groups’ drafts, peer evaluations by fellow groups, revised manuscripts that accepted peer opinions, and reflection journals written by all students during the second and third weeks of the 15-week class. In particular, when comparing the draft and the revised task reflecting peer evaluation, it can be seen that learners themselves recognize the importance of communication and collaboration capabilities that accept peer evaluation opinions along with enhancing the completeness of the task. In addition, through the analysis data of two consecutive weeks, it was recognized that not only the ability to accept peer-reviewed opinions but also to present peer-reviewed opinions is communication and collaboration capabilities, and a respectful and honest attitude is necessary for this.

This study aims to see if task-based flipped learning (TBFL) can be effective in developing university students’ self-regulated learning. The specific research question is: Does TBFL have a positive impact on learners’ self-regulated learning attitude in cognitive, motivational, and behavioral domains? The research took place at a university English class where a total of 12 students participated for 15 weeks in the fall semester of the year 2023. In order to answer the research question, the self-regulated learning attitude inventory was used along with focus-group interviews and class observation. Due to the limited number of participants, frequency analysis was made for the quantitative data. Major findings were revealed as follows: Firstly, a high level of self-regulated learning attitude was found in all factors in the cognitive domain except for ‘Planning and Monitoring.’ Secondly, positive responses shown in the entire factors in the motivational domain led to greater interest and self-efficacy. Lastly, in the behavioral domain, positive responses were revealed except for ‘Time Management & Environment Setting,’ which seems to be related to the problems found in the cognitive domain’s ‘Planning and Monitoring.’

The purpose of this study is to examine learners’ perceptions of AI-based machine translation (MT) in high school ‘Reading British and American Literature’ classes. This research explored how students perceived the impact of MT on their class participation, learning motivation, confidence in English use, and improvement in English ability. The study also examined how the effectiveness of MT use differed according to students’ English proficiency levels. A total of 153 third-year students participated in a nine-week English literature course. Data were collected through an online survey and statistically analyzed. The findings reveal that students showed positive perceptions regarding class participation, learning motivation, confidence in English use, and improvement in English ability. Notably, participation in the English literature classes using AI-based MT was significantly higher than that in other English classes. Analysis by English proficiency levels showed no significant differences in class participation and affective factors (learning motivation and confidence). However, lower-proficiency learners perceived greater improvement in English proficiency compared to higher-proficiency learners. These results suggest that incorporating AI-based MT in English literature classes can create an inclusive learning environment that supports learners across different proficiency levels, particularly benefiting lower-proficiency students in terms of improvement in English ability.

The current study is designed to investigate the use of classwide peer tutoring for controlled grammar practice activities in a university English as a Foreign Language classrooms. In total, this study included 128 Korean university student participants. This research employed a quasi-experimental approach with two distinct groups. Across four different grammar lessons, 67 learner participants experienced classwide peer tutoring, while 59 learner participants experienced the traditional approach to controlled grammar practice activities. In doing so, the effectiveness of the two teaching approaches, as well as student perceptions, were analyzed. The results indicated no difference in the effectiveness between classwide peer tutoring or the traditional approach in the short-term or long-term. Furthermore, the results showed there was no significant difference between lower proficiency students and higher proficiency students. However, the results did indicate students found classwide peer tutoring to be more satisfying, interesting, and comfortable than the traditional approach to controlled grammar practice activities. Implications and classroom suggestions from these findings are included.

This study aims to investigate the impact of topic familiarity and vocabulary learning tasks on vocabulary acquisition in an ESP (English for Specific Purposes) setting, focusing on 16 adult learners with varying proficiency levels (A1-B1), all training to be cooks. Participants worked with six cooking recipes, three on familiar topics and three on unfamiliar topics, with 30 target words assigned to one of three tasks: word list, flashcards, or fill-in-the-gaps. Immediate and delayed post-tests (three weeks later) were administered using the Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS). Despite the small sample size, significant differences in retention are noted across proficiency levels and task types over time. Results from repeated-measures ANOVAs showed that topic familiarity alone did not significantly impact vocabulary acquisition. However, the interaction between topic familiarity and task type was significant, as were the effects of task types and proficiency levels individually. The interaction between task type and proficiency level also showed a significant effect on vocabulary learning. Participants generally performed better with the fill-in-the-gaps method, but these effects decreased over time. The study highlights the importance of considering both proficiency levels and task types for effective vocabulary instruction.

This study investigates the effectiveness of self-correction in improving lexical stress placement among Korean English learners, a critical yet challenging feature for speakers of Korean, which lacks lexical stress contrasts. Grounded in Schmidt’s (1990) Noticing Hypothesis, the research compares the benefits of self-correction— where learners reflect on and correct their own pronunciation errors —with the shadowing technique. Forty-seven college students participated, with an experimental group practicing self-correction and a control group engaged in shadowing. Pre- and post-test analyses revealed that the self-correction group demonstrated significantly greater improvement, particularly with trisyllabic and tetrasyllabic words, while the shadowing group showed minimal change. These findings highlight self-correction’s role in promoting learner engagement, error awareness, and deeper cognitive processing, offering practical implications for pronunciation instruction that emphasizes learner autonomy and focused attention.

YouGlish, an emerging online learning platform, offers learners repeated exposure to native pronunciation in authentic contexts, providing valuable opportunities to improve their articulation of words and phrases. This study investigates the impact of a structured instructional module incorporated into YouGlish on enhancing pronunciation and intonation through shadowing practice. A total of 67 college students participated, completing four assignments using YouGlish with either a structured module (n = 30) or without a module (n = 37). The results revealed significantly better performance in word/phrase accent accuracy (t (65) = 4.36, p < .001), and intonation (t (65) = 3.94, p < .001) in the group using the structured module compared to the unstructured group. Additionally, feedback collected via questionnaires indicated that students using the module reported more positive experiences, highlighting increased usability, perceived effectiveness, and confidence in their language skills. These findings suggest that the teacher’s role in integrating multimedia resources such as YouGlish is critical to optimizing its effectiveness in language learning.

This study aims to analyze the correlation between the digital literacy competency and the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge) of Korean language teachers. By measuring both the digital literacy competency and the TPACK of Korean language teachers, the study analyzes the correlation between these two variables. To this end, the digital literacy competency of Korean language teachers was divided into ‘technical, cognitive, and socialjustice aspects’ for investigation. The results showed that cognitive digital literacy was the highest competency, while technical digital literacy was the lowest. TPACK was further divided into TK (Technological Knowledge), TCK (Technoligical Contenet Knowledge), TPK (Technoligical Pedagogical Knowledge) and TPCK for measurement, revealing that teachers scored the lowest on TK and the highest on TPK. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between technical digital literacy and TPACK, suggesting that enhancing technical competencies should be prioritized. Furthermore, based on the finding that teaching experience in Korean language education does not influence digital literacy and TPACK, it is believed that practice-oriented teacher training focused on integrating digital tools and technologies could enhance teachers’ digital literacy competencies.

This study investigates the common liaison errors made by Chinese learners of Korean, specifically focusing on the tendency to add redundant consonants, as identified in previous research. The primary aim is to verify prior findings that such errors, especially involving the addition of the same consonant, are particularly prevalent after the final /ㄴ/ consonant. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the influence of gender, region of origin, Korean proficiency, native language interference, and learners’ understanding of Korean phonological rules. Findings confirm that the addition of identical consonants in / ㄴ/ final consonant is indeed frequent and largely unaffected by learners’ region of origin or Korean proficiency level. However, female learners show a slightly higher error rate compared to male learners. Key contributing factors include differences in syllable structure and phonemic characteristics between Korean and Chinese, the impact of null consonants, and learners’ limited understanding of Korean syllable and consonant rules. These insights are valuable for Korean language educators in addressing phonological errors among Chinese-speaking learners.

This collaborative action research aimed to develop and evaluate an academic Korean curriculum for immigrant students in grades 5~6, analyzing its effects on students’ academic Korean achievement and examining teachers’ perceptions of teaching academic Korean during the process. For this purpose, the collaboratively developed academic Korean curriculum was reviewed, and the academic Korean achievement of immigrant students was quantitatively analyzed through three assessments. Additionally, qualitative analysis was conducted on student interviews and teacher discussions regarding their experiences with the curriculum. The results indicated that the developed curriculum had a positive impact on the students’ academic Korean proficiency and their learning in other subjects. However, learning difficulties and elevated levels of anxiety during the course were common among students, regardless of their achievement levels. The teachers involved in the collaborative process proposed several strategies for more effective academic Korean teaching, such as expanding individualized support and strengthening connections with students’ families and homeroom classes. The significance of this collaborative action research lies in its empirical demonstration of the characteristics of academic Korean teaching, an area that has not been extensively covered in existing research on Korean language education.

This study investigates the effect of team-teaching between Korean English teachers and native speakers of English on English learning anxiety. A total of 248 elementary students in grade 6 participated in this study. One group of students were taught by Korean English teachers and native speakers of English while the other group never had the opportunity to speak with a native speaker in class. A survey questionnaire based on FLCAS (Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale) was newly developed to investigate how the two groups showed differences in English learning anxiety in class. The exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to suggest a three-factor solution. The two groups showed differences in English classroom anxiety and confidence in communication with native English speakers. On the other hand, fear of negative evaluation did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The students who experienced team-teaching showed more confidence in communication with native speakers only at a rudimentary level. Therefore, native English-speaking teachers should make their efforts to develop the skills to promote students’ confidence and higher level of communicative abilities.

This study aims to analyze the degree of importance and performance that in-service primary English teachers attribute to edutech, which is widely used in primary education. To this end, 57 primary school teachers at public elementary schools in Gangwon State responded to a questionnaire related to their ability to understand and utilize edutech in education. The results examined the difference between importance and performance through SPSS and IPA analysis. The findings are summarized as follows. First, descriptive statistics on edutech understanding showed the importance of most items was higher than their performance levels, and the results of the sample t-tests also showed a significant difference. The results of the IPA analysis demonstrated the areas requiring focus were related to diagnosing the learning process and monitoring progress through edutech. Next, statistical analysis examining the importance and performance of edutech utilization capabilities found the average importance of overall edutech utilization capabilities was about 0.6 points higher than their performance. Compared to the importance of edutech utilization capabilities, current performance in the educational field did not meet this level. Overall, these results suggest that teacher training is necessary to enhance understanding of edutech and strengthen related skills before the implementation of AIDT.

With the increasing integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, there is a growing demand for accessible AI-powered platforms for teachers and students. This study examines the efficacy of an online question-making platform using GPT-3.5 generated content to develop Korean students’ question-asking skills in English. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we assessed the platform’s impact on students’ question making abilities and its feasibility in classroom settings. Participants included thirty students from a 4th grade elementary school English classroom in Korea and seven elementary school teachers. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-tests measuring students’ question-making skills, while qualitative insights were gathered from semi-structured teacher interviews. Results indicated that the application was able to significantly improve students’ question-making abilities. Thematic analysis of interviews indicated positive perceptions of the platform’s usability and p otential f or l anguage learning. Findings m ay contribute to the growing body of research on using artificial intelligence in L2 education and offer practical insights for educators seeking to leverage advance language models in their instructions.

Despite the widespread recognition of the prominent contribution of key language subskills, such as grammar and vocabulary knowledge, to reading comprehension, a research consensus on their relative significance has not been reached. Moreover, the extent of the contribution vocabulary depth makes to reading comprehension has received little research attention. The present study assessed the relative potential contribution of vocabulary depth and grammar knowledge to advanced Korean EFL college students’ reading comprehension abilities, while controlling for their language proficiency and vocabulary breadth, through hierarchical regression analyses. 56 advanced EFL Korean college students were tested on reading comprehension abilities and a range of reading-related subskills including vocabulary breadth, vocabulary depth, grammar, and listening comprehension in English. The findings revealed the unique contribution of vocabulary depth to reading comprehension abilities beyond the effects of both vocabulary breadth and grammar knowledge when English proficiency was controlled for. The findings further underscore the need for balanced approaches in developing L2 learners’ language skills to enhance their reading comprehension abilities.

This study investigates the listening comprehension performance of Korean university students when exposed to unscripted and scripted English speech, as well as their perceptions of various linguistic features associated with each speech type. A total of 115 participants were divided into two groups, both of which had the same level of listening proficiency. The unscripted group listened to spontaneous, unscripted dialogues during the listening comprehension test, while the scripted group listened to scripted versions from which features typical of unscripted speech had been removed. Following the listening test, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their perceived level of difficulty regarding a range of features that typically distinguish the two speech types. The results revealed that the unscripted group scored significantly lower on the listening test compared to the scripted group. Additionally, the survey indicated that participants found unscripted speech significantly more challenging, especially due to factors such as pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Features typical of unscripted speech, including filled pauses, false starts, and a natural speech rate, were identified as obstacles to L2 listening comprehension. Based on these findings, the study suggests implications for L2 learning materials, instructional methods, assessment practices, and teacher education programs.

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the intersubjective experiences of those who use the ‘-geodeun’ construction within the Korean language. For this purpose, we consider two categories; those based on ‘modality’ and those based on ‘information structure.’ Based on consideration, two categories is not appropriate for the term ‘-geodeun’. Therefore, this paper suggests new grammatical category (intersubjectivity). Using this category, we are able to explain how ‘-geodeun’ is used in both exceptional and normal cases. Furthermore, intersubjectivity is a comparative concept and requires learners to compare the use of ‘-geodeun’ with similar constructions in their mother tongues. In the view of intersubjectivity, ‘-geodeun’ expresses speaker’s attention to listener. Speaker exposes attention to listener’s knowledge and judges whether listener knows about the information included speaker’s utterance (message). Especially, ‘-geodeun’ can be used both new and old information to listener. On based on this usage, this paper suggests models of instruction for teaching and learning intersubjectivity of ‘-geodeun’ for increasing applicability of actual education field. Introduction of concept of intersubjectivity contributes to improving Korean grammar accuracy between similar grammar item and learners’ fluency.

The purpose of this study is to develop a chatbot for Korean language education using Google Dialogflow, aiming to determine its effectiveness as a learning tool and to investigate learners’ perceptions of prototype chatbots. Six Korean language education chatbots were developed for beginner Korean language learners, and 30 beginner learners—15 from Mongolia studying in Korea and 15 from Japan studying abroad—were recruited. These learners practiced Korean conversation with the chatbots for about three weeks, and pre- and post-surveys were conducted. Analysis showed that using the chatbots for conversation practice positively impacted learners’ confidence. However, the chatbots’ overall effectiveness fell short of expectations, as significant results were observed only in confidence among the three investigated areas: interest, confidence, and motivation. Learners were generally satisfied with the chatbots, although Japanese learners rated its effectiveness in improving expressions and comprehension skills low, suggesting a need for further analysis. Both groups found voice chatbots more beneficial, underscoring a significant need for individual speaking practice, especially among Japanese learners. Despite limitations such as the inability to engage in flexible conversations, the study demonstrates the potential of chatbots developed as a learning tool and identifies learners’ perceptions from various perspectives.

This is a case study of tandem learning using a metaverse platform in a Vietnamese-Korean language course. It aimed to explore more efficient foreign language teaching methods beyond traditional approaches. To achieve this, the study provides an in-depth look at the course structure that incorporated tandem learning, the interactions between learners on the metaverse platform, and survey results reflecting their learning experiences and perceptions of this particular approach. This study is significant in that it provided a new learning environment using the metaverse, enabling more active participation from learners. It also integrated the tandem learning method, which allows learners to actively participate in the mutual language acquisition process as both target language learners and as instructors or experts of the partner’s target language. Furthermore, the study is meaningful for its specific attempt to design tandem learning classes using the metaverse, particularly for Vietnamese-Korean classes.

This paper reports on the practice of Korean student-teachers who used a high school Japanese textbook to prepare mock lessons for their mock Japanese language classes. Firstly,the cultural framework is lectured based on the three Ps of foreign language standards and the four Cs of CLIL by Professor (author). Secondly, the teacher trainees select from the textbook a culture that can be do in the classroom, and design a cultural experience mock lesson according to the ADDIE model. Thirdly, they revise the mock lesson based on the feedback and comments from peers. Finally, the teacher trainees reflect on the participants’ reflection sheets and satisfaction surveys. As a result of the practice, the cultural experience mock lesson was highly satisfying for both the teacher trainees and the participants, but the practice made the issues visible. In particular, the lack of desk-to-desk instruction became apparent, which led to the realization that it was necessary to teach the importance of desk-to-desk instruction in mock lessons for second foreign language (Japanese) classes as well.