This study focused on challenges faced by early childhood English teachers in Korea against the backdrop of the local rise of English education for young learners. A mixed-method was used to collect data, including open-ended survey questionnaires and interviews. Six teachers from 250 early childhood English teachers were selected for this study based on the length of teaching experience. A number of challenges emerged from the analysis of the survey, including classroom management, mixed-level class, motivation, teaching methodology, parents involvement, restrained English education in the context of Korea, the teacher’s level of English, lack of assessment and materials which fit early childhood language learners, and balancing between interest and learning. Nine distinct themes were found based on calculated frequency. They were cross-tabulated by two groups of teachers depending on whether teachers had less or more than three years of teaching experience. Results showed challenges and difficulties faced by teachers with lengthy teaching experience. Findings of this study suggest a way to build teacher education programs to support the challenges identified by teachers.

The aims of this study were to explore the value of integrated use of the related literary texts and movies through teachers' awareness toward them, and to develop English teaching-learning method using them. Thirty-four primary school teachers who enrolled a graduate course participated in the study. The teachers read a literary text, Because of Winn-Dixie written by Kate DiCamillo, and watched the movie based on the text. Data collected were analyzed through a mixed method which used both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The result of the study emerged in two steps. First, experiences of participating teachers were investigated in terms of understanding literary texts and movies, participants' experience as both English learners and teachers, and the understanding of complementary aspects of a literary text and the movie based on the text. Then, teaching-learning method for English learners were developed. For example, the study suggested how to develop four language skills through integrated use of the literary texts and movies, and provided a list of related literary texts and movies applicable in diverse EFL contexts. Based on the results, the study suggested teachers to apply methods and techniques to other literary texts and movies in the teaching of English in EFL settings.

This study recommends using children's literature in teacher training programs with the purpose of developing integrated language skills for primary school teachers and teaching methods for their students. First, to accomplish bifold objectives, the study develops three modules: 1) intensive listening through story books, 2) using in class dialogues through role-playing and 3) developing classroom activities. For presenting the examples of the three modules, Junie B., First Grader (at last!), Freckle Juice, and Jake Drake: Teacher's Pet are used. Next, the study presents teachers' perceptions on both using literature for improving their English skills and using literature in their teaching elementary school children. To investigate the possibility of implementing the program, the researcher surveyed 53 teachers participating in the program. The survey results showed teachers' perceptions on children's literature changed in positive ways, and they recognized that children's literature could develop their own English language skills and then would be a good teaching resource for their students. Based on the results, some suggestions were provided for the teachers, educators, and program developers.