Communicative reading coursebook with Korean literature

Abstract

The purpose of my textbook is to help young learners improve their English skills through Korean literature (which will be written in English). This will have two strong goals: first, students will develop the four skills of English such as reading, writing, listening and speaking in a balanced way through literature. Second, they will learn about Korean folk tales as well as Korean poems and gain a strong identity as a Korean. The target audience I seek to address is elementary school students in fifth and sixth grade whose English range from low intermediate to intermediate levels. I have chosen this group because I am currently teaching the target students at a public elementary school and it gives me an opportunity to pilot the methodology that I want to carry out in the classroom. English classes have been increased since the Seventh revised National Curriculum has been introduced to the public school. However, there are not many students who have a high degree of motivation toward English, and it is considered to be a symbol of education which they have to do well for their future success (Nam, 2005; Shim, 1994). According to Lewis (1999), motivation includes not just deciding to learn a language, but all the endless tasks associated with keeping trying. However, many students consider English as the one core subject among the subject all or the one that they should just work hard without their will. Therefore, I have focused on prioritizing the students’ motivation as well as developing their language competence. Even though there is a plethora of materials and textbooks, it is difficult for teachers to find appropriate materials for their students. I hope that this textbook could provide valuable experiences in more exciting ways for many Korean EFL students.