The research discussed in this paper was conducted to evaluate an intensive English teacher training program (IETTP) and to consider implications for in-service English teacher education. Data was gathered from a variety of sources including trainees’ self-evaluation of their teaching and English language proficiency, feedback on sessions of the program, interviews, and documents. The analysis of the gathered data revealed that the trainees perceived their teaching improved. The comparison of the pre- and post-tests of language skills showed that the level of the trainees’ English language significantly improved. The trainees’ feedback on the program and the trainers revealed that they were satisfied with the course components, and with the trainers’ enthusiasm, materials, motivation and demonstrations. It was also found that the program management was process-focused; the evaluation was conducted on a regular basis and the results were fed back into the program. The findings of the program evaluation supported the conclusion that the trainees benefitted from the programs and that the goals of the training program were achieved at a satisfactory level in most areas. The findings provide guidelines for the further development of IETTPs, and implications for policy-making on English teacher education.
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of an English program called Global English. The fall, 2003, program at a 4-year university in southwest Korea, was designed for students to attain ability and confidence in both oral and written reports in English necessary to participate actively in everyday and business situations. The study described the educational principles and curriculum in detail and provided an overall evaluation of the program. Students' communicative competence was measured by the computer-based TOEIC both prior to and in the middle of the Global English instruction. Questionnaires were administered to 2,791 students and to 18 native English-speaking teachers to identify their satisfaction with the program. The results from the paired-samples t test indicated that the Global English program significantly affected students' English achievement scores. The students demonstrated satisfaction with the program in the analyses of the questionnaires: The students' motivation, interest, and attitudes towards learning English improved, and their anxiety in speaking English with native speakers was lowered; their confidence increased. On the basis of the findings, educational suggestions were made for improving the Global English program.