The present study examines the interpretation of Korean relative clauses (RC) by English speakers of L2 Korean. The purpose of the study is to see if these learners employ the same parsing strategy as native Korean speakers in the processing of a complex NP followed by a RC. Processing strategies were investigated with two different conditions, which were distinguished from each other by animacy presence in the second NP of a complex NP (e.g., chayk-ul ilk-nun apeci-uy atul ‘the son of the father who is reading a book’: [+ani, +ani] condition vs. kyosil-ey iss-nun haksayng-uy chayk ‘the book of the student who is in the classroom’: [+ani, -ani] condition). Korean speakers showed equal preference in the [+ani, +ani] condition, while they showed low attachment (LA) preference in the [+ani, -ani] condition. On the other hand, English speakers showed LA preference in both conditions. We assume that this LA preference by the English speakers might have been due to either the universal processing principle (recency) or influence from their L1, both of which make the same attachment site. The source of the Korean speakers diverging behavior is discussed on the basis of difference in verb meaning used in each condition. The discrepancy between the two language groups leads us to propose that English speakers do not rely on the same processing strategies as Korean speakers.
This study examined what the effects of computer discussions on interactive English language use of students who were considered reticent in class, and their perceptions of self-efficacy and language anxiety, and how different individual types of students would interact with the different contexts of oral and computer discussions. Data were collected using quantitative methods for discussion data and self-efficacy and language anxiety measures, and qualitative methods for interview and class observation from an advanced ESL writing class. The results indicated that the computer discussions seemed to help reticent students enhance their quantitative productivity in discussions, but it did not necessarily elicit more sophisticated and complex English language from these students. The analyses for students’ self-efficacy and anxiety measures further suggested that the computer discussions could contribute to lowering students’ language anxiety but not to improvement of their self-efficacy. In addition, the qualitative analysis illustrated that the students of one participant group would establish different emotional experience from those of the other group in the oral discussions. Then, the experiences of these students seemed to be created differently within the novel context of computer discussions.
The goal of this study is to investigate EFL readers’ use of critical reading when they read texts. Focusing only on understanding the propositional meaning of a text influences the pedagogy of EFL in that students accept textual knowledge via the teacher as the authorized version of truth and what counts as knowledge so that they are also brainwashed by the ideology of these texts; all texts include a certain ideology because language is not neutral. However, there is also a presupposition that critical reading is merely an additional level tacked onto mainstream literacy education and mainstream discourse analysis. Critical reading practice in this study is an adaptation of Fairclough’s (1995) critical discourse analysis in which issues of power and control are central to the social theories he builds. This empirical study investigated Korean EFL university students’ use of critical reading enhanced by a qualitative method of data analysis. One of the findings is that the participants were aware that language reflects unequal social power that operates within institutions and discourses. There will be further discussion of other findings and suggestions for EFL reading pedagogy.
This paper deals with an information processing dimension of listening activities. The main purpose of the study is to investigate how selected listening activities proposed by Peterson (1991) and Brown (2001) for ESL contexts are employed by students in Korean middle schools, high schools, and universities, with special attention to different types of listening processing: bottom-up, top-down, and interactive. Using a questionnaire survey, data were collected from 600 students to identify their use of listening activities. The results indicated that the listening activities used by Korean students were generally limited in variety and were not in accordance with their education levels. The learners in general resorted to the top-down type most frequently. An investigation of how each education group (middle school, high school, and university) employs different types of listening activities revealed that each group employed the top-down type most frequently, lacking the bottom-up and interactive types. On the basis of the results, pedagogical implications are discussed and suggestions are made for activating listening activities, which is in turn expected to lead to learners’ increased listening competence.
This paper examines Korean learners’ difficulties with English unaccusative verb acquisition. 41 high school students, comprising the low proficiency group and 50 university students, constituting the high proficiency group, participated in judging two kinds of grammaticality tests (context-given and context-free). The first results revealed that at their English proficiency levels, context did not make any difference in judging the grammaticality of unaccusative verb. The second results showed that both groups of learners had more difficulty in acquiring melt-type (unaccusative verbs with transitive counterparts) than die-type (unaccusative verbs without transitive counterparts), and had the most difficulty unlearning NP-be+Ven structure of melt-type, followed by NP-V-NP structure of die-type and NP-be+Ven structure of die-type. It is suggested that the results of this study can be applied to learning and teaching unaccusative verbs in English classrooms and that future research focus on the possibility of advanced learners’ accepting nativelike NP-V order of unaccusative verbs.
This study investigates the implementation of a new EFL course, English Practice. This is designed to enhance English reading and writing skills, and increase literary experiences among university students. For this study, literature for young adults and e-mail writing were introduced to change teaching/learning conventions in an EFL setting. The research framework was practitioner research. Data collection consisted of a survey, students’ writing in the classroom, and the instructor’s field notes and journal. Data were analyzed to address the following research question: What happens when university EFL students read and write English for real purposes? Data analysis revealed that: 1) the students viewed literature and e-mail writing as a new experience of language learning, 2) the students showed changes in their learning, and 3) the students’ experiences with the literature went beyond language learning. The author concludes that the unique course program provided students with new ways of developing understanding English as a foreign language and provided opportunities to express individual experiences of the texts they read.
This study primarily aims at identifying and classifying the most frequently occurring error types in Korean university students’ written work. This study will also try to find some ways to prevent those errors by discussing the issue of error treatment. A total of one hundred and fifteen Korean university students participated for two consecutive studies. The writing samples were collected and errors were extracted from native speaker teachers’ error correction of student writing. After the errors were identified, they were analyzed based on a modified linguistic category taxonomy (Dulay, Burt, & Krashen, 1982). In this study, the most common errors were ‘Noun Phrase’ errors, followed by ‘Verb Phrase’ errors. This possibly suggests the existence of interlanguage and implies that the differences in the two language systems or the absence of certain features in L1 (Korean) caused difficulty in their application in L2 (English) in using the correct forms. Pedagogical implications based on the findings are then discussed.
Serious inherent problems with practicality, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability overshadow the known positive washback effects of performance assessment in language education. In particular, it has been welldocumented that inter-rater reliability poses a serious threat to overall test validity, since individual raters necessarily measure performance according to their own subjective severity criteria in language proficiency. However, language testing has witnessed a remarkable series of breakthroughs in performance assessment during the recent advent of the information era. One such breakthrough utilizes state-of-the-art automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology for oral proficiency interviews(OPI). Granting that current forms of ASR technologies may not produce results with the reliability needed to accommodate highstakes standardized test administration, they do offer aid in approaching the thorny issues of practicality and inherent human inter-rater subjectivity. Accordingly, this paper is intended to investigate the degree to which ASR-based OPI ratings match similar human-conducted OPI ratings by employing correlational analyses on the basis of degrees of rater severity. Furthermore, this paper attempts to explore a method of enhancing the robustness of ASR-based OPI ratings which capitalizes on suprasegmental information by measuring fluency based principally on the test-takers’ response time length.
The purpose of this study is to investigate an effective way of using real-time computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools for the development of Korean EFL learners’ oral communicative competence. The subjects of the study are the 53 first-year female university students and they are randomly assigned into three groups: text-, voice-, and video-chatting groups. The major results of the study are as follows: first, all the three synchronous CMC tools are effective in improving the fluency and accuracy of speaking skills. Second, the voice-based CMC tools, not the text-based one, are effective in improving the learners’ interactive skills and active use of communicative strategies. Third, all the three synchronous CMC tools are effective in enhancing the learners’ confidence in their English speaking abilities and beliefs in the improvement of their oral communicative competence. Lastly, the learners’ responses to the use of the CMC tools in performing communicative tasks are very positive in all the three groups. Based on these results, some pedagogical suggestions are made on the effective use of the synchronous CMC tools in Korean English classroom settings.
The purpose of this study is to propose the development phases and the directions of the electronic textbook for English education. In order to achieve this purpose, above all, the conception of electronic textbook based on electronic book is defined. Second, the electronic and traditional printed textbook is compared. Third, the types of electronic textbook are classified, and the practical process of developing CD-ROM titles in the primary English education is presented. In this study, it is suggested that there are six phases in the development phases of the electronic textbook: analysis - design - development - experiment - evaluation - revise - application. Furthermore, the directions of the electronic textbook are proposed in terms of the design of learning contents, functional components, and technical components systematically. Particularly, learning contents based on the national curriculum should be designed in detail. Accordingly, the characteristics of English education and the possibility of application should be considered in designing the electronic textbook.
Even though performance-based language tests are often multivariate by design, previous validation studies have analyzed the dependability of ratings of such tests within univariate analytic frameworks. In an attempt to address this limitation, the present study investigated the dependability of judgements made based on ratings of a German speaking test using a multivariate generalizabilitiy theory (MGT) analysis. Data obtained from 88 students were analyzed in G- and D-studies of a two-facet crossed design. A D-study with two raters and two tasks supported the high dependability of the ratings and the placement decisions made at the pre-determined cut scores. An optimization analysis of the measurement procedure suggested that the desired level of dependability of ratings has already been achieved by the use of two raters and two tasks. The MGT analysis also generated other useful information about the convergent/ discriminant validity of the five subscales. Specifically, the universe score variance-covariance matrix obtained from the D-study showed that the underlying subscales were interrelated but distinct. Furthermore, the analysis of effective weights of the scales revealed that the Grammar subscale played the dominant role in the composite universe score variance.
Face-to-face interview has been used to elicit language samples in oral proficiency testing. The direct testing is believed to measure more authentic and interactive language ability. However, it is argued that speech samples from unstructured interviews are different from ones in natural communication settings, and that the interviewees are forced to play as passive roles. Furthermore, inexperienced interviewers often allow superficial fluency rewarded. Communicative task (e.g., long-run narrative and descriptive speech) meaningfulness tends to be underestimated. In the unstructured interview situations where intuition driven interviewers do not provide meaningful communicative tasks (or prompts), personality is implicitly focused, and interpersonal strategies are overestimated. When a test intends to assess ‘language’ skills, the nonlanguage skills make test usefulness dubious. This study explores inappropriateness issues of face-to-face English language proficiency interviews in Korea. This study also values the usefulness of semi-direct (tape- or computermediated) speaking tests in terms of task meaningfulness. Samples of superficial fluency collected in testing settings are commented upon. Points of view from Korean contexts are repetitively discussed over the study.
The present study investigates the effects of teaching activity-based integrative reading and writing on the amelioration of written language in the elementary school classroom. This study was conducted during the first semester in 2003. The subjects were 160, 6th year elementary school students. They were divided into two groups, control and experimental. Both the control group and the experimental group were composed of 80 students each. Each group was divided into three levels: high, intermediate, and low, on the basis of a diagnostic evaluation. All the subjects of the experimental group were integratively taught reading and writing of the English alphabet, words, phrases, sentences, and context, according to their level. All the subjects of the control group were discretely taught reading and writing according to their curriculum and level. They were also given a questionnaire of affective and psychomotor domains. Statistical analyses were performed to determine: (a) the difference of the control and experimental groups, (b) the difference between the control and experimental groups, (c) the difference of their level (high, intermediate, and low) of the control and experimental groups on reading and writing in the pre- and post- achievement tests, and (d) the difference of the level of the control and experimental groups on the affective and psychomotor domains such as interest, self-confidence, understanding, participation, and motivation of reading and writing in the pre- and post- achievement tests. The results of this study reveal that significantly higher scores on the written language were obtained in the experimental group. The difference between the control group and the experimental group was not significant at the beginning of the term. However, the difference was significant at the end of the term. It was also found that in the experimental group, interest was improved at the intermediate level. Self-confidence and understanding were improved at the intermediate and low levels, and participation was improved at the low level. It is recommended that researchers and teachers develop integrative materials of reading and writing more widely according to the level.
This study examines the effects of corpus-based collaborative learning on the intake of grammar rules among high school students. This study is grounded on three theoretical backgrounds: Grammar teaching based on a large amount of input enhances intake; peer interaction promotes learners’ participation and has positive effects on their academic achievement; and discovery instruction stimulates learners’ motivation and helps them notice rules, leading to the conversion of input into intake. The subjects were divided into two groups, each group consisting of 60 students. The subjects studied six grammar rules over a period of six weeks. Group 1 did small group activities with the materials extracted from the COBUILD corpus, while Group 2 was given the teacher’s explanation of each rule with some examples designed to show how the target rule works. After each grammar lesson, both groups took a post-test. The results indicate that (a) corpus-based grammar learning helps engage learners in the learning process and raise their grammar awareness, (b) corpus-based learning facilitates noticing and identifying the target form better than its meaning and (c) peer interactions in a small group have positive effects on the intake of grammar rules.
The 7th national curriculum takes a strong stance for a student-centered curriculum as well as operating and management flexibility at the school level. This study explored the procedures of and the status on implementation of the 7th national English curriculum at the primary level. It examined the processes taken by the local boards of education in due course of facilitating the schools with the school level curriculum implementation, and the schools and teachers for the actual curriculum implementation. To achieve the goal of the study, it was conducted by questionnaires for teacher and supervisors, classroom observation, and teacher interviews. Results were interpreted by the core aspects of the 7th national curriculum: curriculum reconstruction, student-centeredness, and specialization of the curriculum. Three major elements were found in the process of curriculum modification: firstly, the local boards of education was not enough to support so that the schools developed and implemented the school-based curricula secondly, teachers did not exert autonomy in interpreting and applying curriculum to their classrooms, and finally, there was a high demand for teachers and experts with potential in the schools as well as in the board of education. For the successful settlement of curriculum, continuous efforts are needed to involve teachers in the process of curriculum implementation.
The current research aims to enhance the quality of general English in the university by providing level-specific cultural curriculum and instruction based on students’ needs. This study utilized various research analysis methods such as literature-document and survey/interview. In the questionnaire respondents (a sample of 393 university students) showed that class hours per week and the number of semesters were appropriate, but that more interesting and level-specific instruction was needed. It was also suggested that more elective courses should be available after the completion of general English courses. Based on these results, this research study developed 4-tiered level-specific cultural curriculum. The newly proposed curriculum reported in this study encompasses its specific implementation plans, starting with standards, goals, and language functions for each level, ways to offer remedial and intensive courses at each level and elective courses after the completion of the general courses. This new plan initiative requires an extensive revision of existing curriculums and an application of dynamic evaluation methods. Accordingly, the results of the research project will present an important curricular and instructional model to other universities interested in providing level-specific English programs in the effort of maximizing the students’ learning.
This paper analyzes the high school textbooks for German which were developed according to the guidelines of the 7th National Curriculum. The study focuses on communicative features of texts/dialogues and the lessons in general. According to 7th National Curriculum, students have to practice all four communicative activities in German I, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing. This analysis aims at identifying and analyzing the elements which are relevant for communicative exercises. For that purpose, the author analyzes the proportion of texts in relation to dialogues, and the therein contained distribution of communicative situations or themes; another aspect of analysis deals with the question, how systematically the lessons are structured in order to enhance the four communicative activities and skills.
Concerning the education imbalance on foreign languages in korea, this study suggests the development of a systematic way to test the German language proficiency. For English, Japanese, and Chinese, the efficiency tests serve as a motivation to study, leaving positive impacts on the education of those foreign languages. However, for less popular foreign languages, the case is quite different. With no systematic evaluation standards, only those who studied abroad benefit from these efficiency tests performed by the universities on their own. Furthermore, invented in their home countries, tests such as the ZD, ZMP for German, and the DELF/DALF for French are only for those with intermediate command of the language, which doesn’t help Korean learners in secondary school who are mostly in the beginners’level. This all leads to the necessity of a systematic proficiency test, approved by universities, for foreign languages. This study suggests a way to develop the proficiency test for German according to the proficiencylevel ranging from beginner to advanced courses taught at universities.
This study investigates research into textbooks of morals in the Japan’s Meiji and Taisyo eras. Japanese nationality was formed in these times. I will investigates intention and a purpose of moral-education first of all. This was made by ethics of the three fundamental principles and the moral disciplines in human relations of China. Japanese education-royal command flowed from the three fundamental principles and the moral disciplines in human relations. I will analyze this, and I will recognize intention and a purpose of child moral-education. I will watch moral life of personal and family, school, society and national. These are making relation with all Japanese-CHONWHANGJE. And I will look into these. I am going to all consider how an ideology along formation of Japanese modern nationality appears in this role and differences.
When we closely look into Korean particle usage of Korean learners, we can find many misuses in Japanese language learners even if Japanese language has similar word order and particles structure as well as English Korean language learners whose language is different to Korean in language order and no particles structure. The purpose of this study is to find out the actual condition, how the Korean particles education for Korean language learner is being processed to make clear how various type of misuses in particles usage of Korean language learner are resulted from the Korean language education locale, the correlation between manifold particles misuse and korean language learning contents in language learning locale. To bring these actual Korean particles education condition, firstly we are going to examine the frequent Korean particles misuse of Korean language learners, and then compare the Korean education locale for particles. These comparison will be helpful to suggest the efficient method of Korean particles education to prevent misuse in Korean particles of learners and make good material for the meaningful learner centered education for Korean particles.