Learning English through Global Issues

Abstract

Many Korean students are struggling to develop communicative competence in English for their future careers. While they may be required to interact and communicate with native speakers in business or university settings, the English section of the Korean Scholastic Assessment Test (KSAT) only focuses on receptive skills which makes it difficult for students to practice productive skills (Choi, 2008). Additionally, due to the washback effect of the KSAT, students often have high TOEFL test scores (which is one of the requirements for exchange student programs); however, despite their high scores, they face difficulty in class discussion or social interaction with native speakers (Gilmore, 2011; Jun, 2001, pp. 5-6). This Textbook is designed to offer Korean students the opportunity to practice and develop the four skills to prepare them for student exchange programs. The goal of this Book is to engage students in global issues which will help them to notice, learn, and eventually participate in ‘natural communication tasks ’ as mentioned in Hwang (2005) (as cited in Dulay, Burt & Krashen, 1982). This Textbook is aimed at university freshman or sophomore students (20 to 21 years old) who intend to apply for exchange programs. Their current English levels are between intermediate-high to advanced-low according to the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. The students are highly motivated to learn English for their future careers, and they are interested in global issues such as juvenile crime, animal testing, and military service. They are able to understand both main ideas and detailed information through various input such as audio-video files and news articles. They can freely express personal opinions on a variety of topics and can participate in discussion with their peers. In addition, they know how to give brief presentations or speeches.