This study aims to demonstrate the integration of character education with content and language integrated learning (CLIL) and evaluate its effects on the English language learning and character development of young learners who use EFL. Eight participants received character-integrated CLIL instruction over 16 class sessions. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study collected qualitative data primarily through observations, interviews, portfolios, self-assessments, and peerassessments, complemented by quantitative data from English tests and questionnaires. Findings revealed that character-integrated CLIL significantly enhanced learners’ oral language skills, confidence, and engagement in learning English. Additionally, it facilitated simultaneous development of language proficiency and subject knowledge, while promoting acquisition of positive character traits. The learner-centered environment supported by teacher scaffolding and authentic materials allowed learners to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. These results provide educators with a model for effectively integrating character education into language learning. They also highlight the broader potential of CLIL to foster holistic learner development.

This longitudinal study used data from the Busan Educational Longitudinal Study (BELS) to identify growth profiles of English class self-efficacy (ECS) over three years and their associations with English class comprehension, engagement, and achievement. A middle school student sample from 2016 to 2018 BELS comprised 3,038 students (1,394 females and 1,644 males) from 56 middle schools in South Korea. Using a personcentered approach with Mplus 8.4, a higher-order growth mixture modeling (GMM) yielded three distinct growth trajectories of ECS: 82.8% of initially high and slowly decreasing (HSD) group, 9.7% of intermediate high and decreasing (IHD) group, and 7.5% of low but increasing (LI) group growth profiles. Results indicated that English class comprehension, engagement, and achievement showed statistically significant mean differences across each growth profile of ECS. The identified ECS growth profiles can be used to tailor intervention measures. Empirical findings are discussed in terms of pedagogical implications in applied language learning and teaching practices and further research.

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 investigated the relationship between changes in language learning beliefs and English proficiency among 41 Korean university students who participated in a short-term English program. Participants’ beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI), and their proficiency was measured using the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and correlation analysis were employed to analyze the data. The study found significant improvements in both listening and reading scores, and changes in beliefs varied with proficiency gains. Students with higher proficiency gains demonstrated improved confidence and self-efficacy, and decreased instrumental motivation, whereas those with lower gains exhibited minimal changes in beliefs. Correlation analysis revealed that belief shifts, such as reduced selfconsciousness and increased integrative motivation, were positively related to proficiency gains. These findings suggest the dynamic nature of learners’ beliefs and their potential impact on language learning outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing belief systems in English language education.

Motivated by the effort of diagnostic interventions for EFL learners in Korean educational contexts, this study aims to identify heterogeneous L2 reading skill profiles among students attending the same school. Subsequently, it investigates the impact of learners’ L2 learning backgrounds on heterogeneity of these reading skills. Using Latent Profile Analysis on 234 vocational high school students, we identified four distinct profiles: Profile 1, severely weak L2 readers with very low decoding and syntactic knowledge; Profile 2, moderately weak L2 readers; Profile 3, above-average L2 readers; and Profile 4, fairly well-developed L2 readers with good vocabulary breadth. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that profile membership was significantly predicted by positive past learning experiences, extra-curricular English reading, and motivational attitudes. These findings underscore the significant heterogeneity in L2 reading skills within the seemingly homogeneous EFL group and highlight the critical association with past and current educational experiences, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions based on individual learning histories.

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.

Based on the motivation theories, we postulated that interest in learning languages influences the self-efficacy beliefs of students about their capabilities as second/foreign language (L2) English learners. This study examined the longitudinal causal relation between affective interest and cognitive self-efficacy in the L2 motivational context using the Gyeonggi Education Panel Study (GEPS) data from South Korea. A secondary school student sample from 2015–2020 GEPS over six years comprised 6,314 students (3,189 males and 3,125 females). Using a parallel growth model (PPM) with Mplus 8.4, the results indicated that the initial level and growth rate of L2 English interest positively predicted L2 English self-efficacy. Subsequently, the initial level of L2 English interest exhibited a negative cross-effect on the growth rate of L2 English self-efficacy. Finally, the sequential causal effect of L2 English interest on self-efficacy was found across the six-year period. The findings are discussed in terms of the pedagogical implications in English learning and teaching practices and further research.

본 연구는 영어 수업 외 교실을 벗어나서 영어를 학습해야 하는 학습 자들의 부담감을 해소시키기 위해 영어 수업 시간에 활용할 수 있는 교 재 맞춤형 학습 앱의 활용을 제안하고자 하였고 교재 맞춤형 학습 앱의 사용에 대한 학습자의 태도와 인식을 함께 분석하고자 하였다. 이를 위 해 교재의 각 챕터별 주제에 맞게 제작된 학습 앱이 다각적인 측면에서 사용되었다. 앱을 활용하여 어휘 학습, 듣기, 말하기, 읽기, 챗봇과의 대 화나 토론과 같은 학습 활동이 이행되었다. 연구 평가를 위해 자가 평가 일지와 설문 조사를 분석하였다. 연구 결과 교재 맞춤형 학습 앱에 대한 학습자들의 만족도는 높은 것으로 나타났다(80.5%). 교재 맞춤형 앱 활 용에 대한 만족도가 높은 이유는 개인의 다양한 학습 욕구가 충족되었다 는 점, 앱 콘텐츠가 다양한 점, 이로 인해 학습에 대한 재미와 관심이 유 발된 점, 또한 교재와의 연계성이 높은 점으로 나타났다. EFL 교실에서 효율적으로 사용될 수 있도록 교재에 맞게 제작된 학습 앱은 학문 분야 별로 활발하게 개발될 필요가 있다. 교수자들은 교수요목에 맞게 학습자 의 흥미와 자기 주도적 참여를 유발시키기 위해 학습 앱과 같은 테크놀 로지를 적극적으로 활용해야 할 것이다.

본 연구는 챗GPT를 대학 교양영어 수업의 학습 도구로 활용하는 효과 적인 수업구성을 하는 것을 목표로 하고 있다. 구체적인 논의는 다음의 네 가지이다. 첫째, 교육계에서 챗GPT 사용에 관해 찬반 논쟁이 있음에 도 불구하고 생성형 AI가 교육계에 큰 변화를 가져올 것이라는 점에는 거의 이견이 없다. 둘째, 챗GPT를 사용함에 있어서 발생 가능한 문제점 을 팩트 체크의 부재, 지적 재산권의 문제, 문해력 저하로 정리하였다. 학습에서 챗GPT를 도구로 사용하기에 앞서서 이러한 문제점들을 학습자 들에게 반드시 인식시키는 교과과정을 만들어야 할 것이다. 셋째, 교육현 장에서 챗GPT를 사용하기 위해서 학습자에게 선제적으로 인식시켜야 할 점은 생성형 AI가 학습의 도구로서의 역할을 하며, 학습자가 인공지능에 의존하는 것이 아니라 인공지능과 협업을 한다는 것이다. 넷째, 학습능력 이 매우 상이한 학생집단을 대상으로 챗GPT를 학습도구로 사용하기 위 해서는 그룹별 협업을 통한 활동이 중요하다. 그룹원들의 다양한 질문을 인공지능에 주입하여 다채로운 결괏값을 얻어 지식을 창조적으로 (재)생 산할 수 있기 때문이다. 본 연구의 의의는 연구에서 제시하는 수업구성 을 실제 수업에 적용하여 또 다른 연구물을 도출할 수 있다는 점이다.

This study aimed to explore the impact of AI image generators on the affective factors of college-level English learners and the correlations among these factors. During a four-week instructional period, 65 participants were asked to use Midjourney as an AI tool for their user experiences. Affective factors including interest, confidence, and participation were measured through pre- and post-surveys. Using Jamovi for analysis, significant improvements were discovered across all affective factors. Noteworthy improvements occurred in confidence, indicating a favorable impact by AI-generated images on English learning. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between interest and confidence, as well as confidence and participation. This confirms the interconnected nature of these affective elements in the learning process. The findings suggest that the educational use of image-generating AI tools can beneficially influence English learners’ affective domains. The study calls for further investigation into the pedagogical applications of image AI to foster a more interactive, engaged, and self-assured attitude towards language learning.

This study investigated the convergence of content and language integrated learning, translanguaging, and global citizenship education in an EFL tertiary English class. Conceptualized within translanguaging as an assemblage for meaning-making, machine translation was incorporated into the course in a way that EFL bilinguals could fully avail themselves of their linguistic repertoire for the learning of global citizenship and language. The analyses of thirty-three students’ response essays and survey results demonstrate the success of MT as both a scaffold for bridging language-content gaps and a tool for language acquisition. Design features, perceived as important, were a careful introduction and training on MT use and teacher feedback on MT-assisted writing. Survey results emphasize the crucial role of the students’ L1 in meaning-making. The study offers a practical guide for educators interested in using MT in L2 writing instruction and encourages further research on the theoretical and pedagogical applications of translanguaging in diverse EFL contexts.

This study investigated how student-centered learning affects first-year college students’ perceptions of and construction of investment in English learning. After finishing two reading assignments using a student-centered approach, 50 students completed open-ended written surveys, and 15 students participated in open-ended interviews. Thematic analysis of the data, which consisted primarily of the translated interview transcripts and secondarily of the survey responses, showed that initially the students recognized the importance of learning English but had ambivalent attitudes towards the language. However, after completing the student-centered reading assignments, they expressed self-confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a will to learn, which helped them to concretely construct their investment in English learning. These findings indicate the positive impact of student-centered learning on students’ perceptions of English and their construction of investment in learning the language, highlighting its importance in helping students, particularly as an alternative to exam-driven instructional approaches common in Korea’s environment of English fever and similar contexts.

Conventional flipped learning instructional models are operated in a blended learning environment online and offline. In contrast, this study moved onto fully online systems and explored how a sense of presence worked for students’ learning outcomes at university English writing courses. The two research questions for this study are: 1) What is the relationship between a sense of presence (teaching, cognitive, social presence) and learning outcomes (group cohesion, class satisfaction)? and 2) What are the variables among a sense of presence that affect group cohesion and class satisfaction? For the purposes of this study, 46 university students from English composition courses answered student questionnaires in the spring of 2021. Correlation and multiple-regression analyses were conducted to look into the relationships among the variables. Additionally, focus-group interviews were conducted and teaching journals were analyzed. The major findings were revealed as follows: Firstly, a sense of presence was significantly related to group cohesion and satisfaction. Secondly, social presence and cognitive presence only had a predictive power of group cohesion. Thirdly, cognitive presence and teaching presence were significant predictors of class satisfaction. Pedagogical implications are discussed for those interested in applying flipped learning in a fully online setting.

This paper investigates Korean EFL students’ learning (de)motivation factors according to the level of students’ English learning motivation. A total of 41 undergraduate students reflected on their past ten years of English learning experiences and submitted autobiographic essays with ‘motigraph,’ marking their annual changes of English learning motivation from 0 to 10. The data were analyzed with Grounded Theory. The findings revealed that the factors that increased or decreased English learning motivation were different according to students’ level of motivation. Students with low-level motivation were influenced by their teacher or parents, while those with high-level motivation were influenced by their past L2 learning experiences perceived positively by themselves. In both groups, the factors of emotional experiences caused by negative L2 learning experiences were the main reasons for demotivation. This paper emphasizes the importance of subjective appraisal in maintaining students’ L2 learning motivation and recovering from the state of demotivation.

Lesson reconstruction is a way of enhancing student competency, and has been receiving much attention. Research was conducted based on lesson reconstruction by applying content and language integrated learning: CLIL. However, drawbacks such as the EFL educational environment and the notional-functional syllabi in much of the English curriculum made teachers teach the 4 skills separately (i.e. listening, speaking, reading, and writing), even though integration of 4 the skills is very much required. Although many researchers have analyzed CLIL so far, little research has suggested the specific methods of reconstructing, designing and implementing lessons in a primary Korean EFL education setting. In this study, the research reviewed the theoretical frameworks of the literature and suggested three potential methods for improvement: 1) designing lessons based on lesson reconstruction, 2), implementing the 4Cs Framework while planning CLIL lessons and, 3) choosing appropriate language based on ‘The Language Triptych’. For implementation, this research suggested that CLIL lesson integrated with other subjects or topics improves students’ reading abilities. This research goes beyond previous theoretical concepts; it suggested the ways of designing and implementing lesson construction based on CLIL lessons. The research also suggests that further research needs to fully consider its pedagogical application and explores how to practice CLIL.

The purpose of this research was to examine how Korean college students’ motivation toward English learning has been changed over time as they took technology-utilizing classes. In order to accomplish this, two research questions were proposed; First, how has the students’ motivation changed over the whole school year? Second, how has the students’ motivation changed in terms of their English proficiency levels? Sixty college students were required to take a simulated TOEIC test for their English proficiency levels, and to respond to the ARCS questionnaire developed by Keller (2008a, 2008b) to measure their motivation levels. An independent samples t-test was employed to compare the statistical means from the samples, specifically to find out the relation of students’ motivation and t he e ffect o f t echnology-utilizing c lasses. The r esults o f d ata analysis found out that the longer the treatment period of technology-utilizing instruction, the greater the effect on the learner’s motivation; second, the technology-utilizing instruction has a significant effect on the students’ motivation regardless of their proficiency levels, but it turns out to be more effective in improving the upper group students’ motivation toward learning. Based on these findings, practical implications for the implementing technology-utilizing instruction in the EFL classroom were suggested.

This study aims to analyze the types of cognitive process required to perform vocabulary learning activities in Middle School English textbooks. For this purpose, 26 middle school English textbooks were examined, including 13 for the first year and another 13 for the second year of middle school. The results indicated that vocabulary learning activities emerged in the phase of reading, and then were categorized into pre-reading vocabulary activities and post-reading ones. Eight types of cognitive process emerged in the pre-reading phase and three types in the post-reading phase. That is, the number of vocabulary activities in pre-reading phase was larger than that in the post-reading phase. In addition, the diversity of vocabulary activities in the pre-reading phase was higher than that in the post-reading phase. Based on these results, this study suggests a new model of vocabulary learning activity in middle school English textbooks. A few implications on how to teach new words in English classrooms are discussed.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the mediating effects of mentoring functions in college students and motivation levels in virtual, web-based, constructivist English classes. It is also intended to analyze the effects of web-based interactions on constructivist learning. For this, a survey was conducted on 210 college students all of who participated in a ‘Media English’ class. Correlation analysis, simple regression analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were conducted to verify three research hypotheses. This statistical analyses showed the results that 1) the mentoring function turned out to influence interactions in the virtual constructivism learning framework; 2) the mentoring function turned out to influence learning motivation in the virtual web-based constructivism learning framework; 3) mentoring function as an independent variable in the virtual web-based constructivism learning turned out to influence learning motivation as a dependent variable of college students through the media of interaction as a parameter. Therefore, the results indicated that the mentoring function influenced learning motivation levels of college students through interaction in the virtual web-based constructivist English learning framework.