Korean teachers turn an eye to Kennett's ESL program

Korean children are taught English, starting in third-grade. These teachers are looking at ESL programs in the U.S. to find better ways to teach them. They know how important it is for Korean children to know English. DP

By Wm. Shawn Weigel

A group of English teachers from South Korea has spent the last few weeks in some of Kennett's schools, exploring the ins and outs of the English as a Second Language program. The five teachers - three at the high school and two at Kennett Middle School - were here as part of a program sponsored by the English Language Institute from the University of Delaware and the board of education in Seoul, Korea.

During their visit, the teachers took classes at the ELI by day and took graduate courses in English as a Second Language at night. The university also provided workshops for teaching methodology.

According to Shinja You, the South Koran government recently initiated a reform in the English language program, with an emphasis on "teaching English in English," forcing the teachers to adapt to a language immersion program to teach English to all students in the education system.

You explained that the new government created the English reform initiative to strengthen English education in public schools and to improve communication skills.

"Traditionally, we don't emphasize communication skills, so the government is promoting this, and communication skills among students," she said.
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