Korea's plan to teach classes in English

Korea's transition committee for the president-elect announced plans to have all high schools teach English classes in English and possibly other classes as well, starting in 2010. Improving the language skills of Korean children is certainly important. However, an equally important issue is providing support to teachers to help them get ready for teaching in English. Even teachers in foreign language high schools, relatively better-equipped with foreign language skills, do not always feel comfortable teaching in English. In fact, an increasing number of students in those schools have experience studying, living, or visiting English speaking countries and complain about the English proficiency of their teachers.

To help these plans be successful, the government needs to provide professional incentives to teachers and support the development of training programs and materials for teachers about how to prepare classes in English. This can also include bringing in native English speakers with classroom teaching experience to act as advisors and consultants to the teachers. Several Korean universities have already started recruiting foreigners to help their faculty develop lectures and class materials in English. A good policy aimed at increasing the language skills of Korean students needs to also provide support to increasing the language skills of Korean teachers.