English for Art Students

Abstract

This portfolio has been developed out of my experience in teaching high school English. In my class, students preparing for art school paid far more attention to texts related to art than those covering general topics. These students have heavier burden than those who plan to study humanity or social science. They are required to take not only regular courses but also after-school art classes. The textbook aims to teach first-year students at Korean high schools for art who have learned English for about seven years. Some of them have participated in short-term camps in English speaking countries but their level of English ability varies: their reading and listening proficiency level is CEF B2 and speaking and writing is around CEF B1, which is equivalent to TOEIC scores ranging from 500 to 850. They are accustomed to just listening to teachers’ translations of English into Korean, memorizing grammars and answering multiple choice questions. Furthermore, their English books consist of short reading texts with multiple choice questions that art students do not enjoy very much. Being aware of these problems, I have developed a theme-based English textbook, reflecting target students’ interests in art. The textbook covering art-related reading and activities will motivate would-be artists to be more active participants in their English class.