This study analyzes the structure and content of current affairs-based Korean language textbooks for academic learners and proposes practical strategies for improving their pedagogical impact. With the number of international students in Korean higher education surpassing 260,000 in 2024, many entering undergraduate or graduate programs do so with Korean proficiency levels below what is typically required for academic success. In response, universities have developed general education and major courses specifically for international students, often using textbooks that integrate current affairs topics to promote both language development and academic engagement. These textbooks commonly draw on news articles and other media texts to strengthen learners’ communicative and analytical skills. In this context, this study examined five types of current affairs-based Korean language textbooks that were commercially available in bookstores as of February 2025 and were likely to be adopted as university course materials. The analysis focused on textbook structure, text selection, and instructional activities. The findings suggest that while the textbooks are well-structured and emphasize logical comprehension, they often lack components that encourage sociocultural interpretation or critical literacy. This study recommends supplementing existing materials with texts and activities that help learners recognize the social dimensions of public discourse and foster critical literacy.

This study examined how 16 Chinese transformational structures are generated using generative AI from the perspective of learners whose native language is Korean. To summarize: (1) In weak AI models, using the zero-shot input method, Baidu generated 13 transformed Chinese Sentences, and Papago generated 11 transformed Chinese Sentences. (2) In strong AI models, using the prompt input method, WRTN generated 12 transformed Chinese Sentences, and Yuanbao generated 11 transformed Chinese Sentences. The possible reason why weak AI showed better results than strong AI may be because the analysis target was simple sentences. Baidu and Papago AI are programs specialized in translation. Therefore, under the same conditions as the experiment, it can posited that weak AI is more specialized than strong AI. Thus, it may be sufficient to utilize weak AI in current Chinese writing education. Nevertheless, for this research be applicable to Chinese writing education, the following additional analyses are necessary: (1) This study targeted ‘simple sentences.’ If applied to ‘complex sentence’ writing education, an analysis of whether weak AI remains useful is necessary. (2) An analysis of how to conduct education using Artificial Intelligence is required.

This study investigates differences in Chinese receptive vocabulary size and perceived lexical difficulty among three groups of Korean university students: Chinese majors, liberal arts students studying Chinese, and students with no formal exposure to Chinese. A total of 156 participants completed a 47-item Vocabulary Level Test (VLT) based on HSK levels 1–5. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Item Response Theory (IRT). The results revealed significant group differences: Chinese majors demonstrated the highest lexical competence, followed by liberal arts students and then non-learners. Notably, non-learners achieved a mean accuracy rate of 38.30%, likely due to the influence of Sino-Korean cognates. IRT analysis further indicated that Chinese majors perceived the items as relatively “easy,” liberal arts students as “difficult,” and non-learners as “very difficult.” These findings underscore the critical role of linguistic and cultural familiarity—particularly knowledge of Chinese characters—in facilitating vocabulary comprehension. The study advocates for differentiated instructional strategies tailored to learners’ backgrounds and calls for future research involving students from non-Sinographic language backgrounds to enhance the generalizability of the findings.

This study explores a pedagogical approach to learning modern Greek imperative forms using machine translation and evaluates its relevance in language education. While imperatives frequently appear in textbooks and exams, they present challenges for beginners, highlighting the need for effective instruction. Machine translation can serve as a practical learning aid in this context. The study h as tw o k ey a ims: e valuating t he q uality of G reek-to-Korean imperative sentence translations from Google Translate and DeepL, and identifying effective learning activities for helping students recognize and acquire imperative forms, specifically in instructional texts. The analysis shows that although machine translation captures core meanings, it struggles with contextually accurate expressions and complex syntax. The study suggests using machine translation to familiarize beginners with imperative forms and support intuitive learning. For more advanced learners, comparing machine and human translations can promote deeper grammatical understanding. Ultimately, machine translation can function not only as a translation tool but also as a means for linguistic analysis and grammar awareness in second language learning.

This study examines a digital training model for the professional development of French language educators, focusing on module-based collaborative learning. It explores the theoretical foundations of teacher development, the concept and practice of digital training, and the educational implications of modular learning design. The case study analyzes a digital training program jointly operated by FEI and CNED in July 2020, which involved over 24,000 educators from 162 countries. Comprising eight modules, the program integrated digital content, real-time forums, and collaborative projects. Based on participant experiences, this study identifies key characteristics of digital training and essential factors for enhancing teacher competencies. Findings suggest that digital training fosters teachers’ digital skills and practical application while yielding positive outcomes in gamification strategies and sustainable online training models. However, challenges such as technological accessibility gaps, imbalances in program design, and cultural differences persist. To address these, the study proposes adopting a hybrid education model, strengthening practice-oriented module design, and expanding collaborative learning strategies to support an effective and sustainable training framework in the digital era.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of students’ peer feedback in collaborative English writing of general English classes. For this reason, online pre-and post-surveys were conducted on 33 students enrolled in D University in Chuncheongnam-do. The study results showed that in terms of the affective aspects of peer feedback, the burden of providing feedback, anxiety about English proficiency and negative feedback, and discomfort with negative feedback decreased. At the same time, the perceived usefulness of peer feedback increased. However, cooperation and responsibility, trust in peer feedback, motivation, and the burden of interaction did not show statistically significant differences. In addition, students mentioned that they benefited from peer feedback in the order of grammar, text structure, and vocabulary. As positive aspects, they highlighted objectivity, assistance in English learning, and increased confidence. On the other hand, they pointed out their discomfort in giving feedback due to their low English proficiency and the possibility of providing incorrect information. Based on the results, several implications are discussed.

In the context of higher education (HE) internationalization, English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) plays a crucial role in academic and interactive communication, often intersecting with local languages. This enables greater flexibility in language use and code-switching (CS) between English and the local language. While previous research on English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) has predominantly examined the perspectives of local stakeholders, the views of international students have been largely underexplored. To bridge this gap, this study investigates the perceptions of both local and international students regarding CS practices within EMI courses across specific classroom situations. The findings reveal that both groups support the conditional use of the local language to promote comprehension while ensuring inclusivity. Local students demonstrate a broader acceptance of CS compared to their international counterparts, particularly in relation to academic outcomes such as understanding instruction and assessment. In contrast, international students show greater receptiveness to CS during interactive classroom discussions, which reflects their attitudes toward engaging with local peers. These insights contribute to the development of more nuanced EMI policies and deepen our understanding of language dynamics in HE contexts where English is not the native language.

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.