OP4: What do you think needs to be done to improve English Education in your country?

English education is definitely one of the most controversial issues in Korea. The new government is planning to push English teachers to teach students only in English, and even measuring to apply English Immersion Program. In this situation, I believe conversation skill will get high attention from both English teachers and learners in the future. In my opinion, making better English conversation methodology is most needed in Korea.



First of all, one reason why our English Education is in necessary of better conversation methodology is to increase student's autonomy. It can draw out students' motivation, and make more active and exciting classroom environment. The biggest problem in English class is that Korean students are too shy to speak. Moreover, there is not much opportunity for students to speak English freely. Many English teachers in Korea still teach based on GMT(Grammar Method Teaching), and leave the responsibility of conversation skills to the NESTs. However, the number of NESTs is usually limited to 1 or 2 in each school. Therefore, It is essential to develop more appropriate conversation methodology for Korean teachers and students.





Secondly, conversation skill is the key to success in English learning. By CLT(Communicative Language Teaching), the "push toward communication", which means pragmatic, authentic, and functional use of language which can make students fluent and accurate in second language acquisition. It certainly emphasizes the importance of conversation skill. Also, learning conversational skill is a good way to practice practical English. Ultimate focus in language learning is how learners can apply their knowledge when they have chances to use the language. This is the meaning of "practical", and practical English is not about correcting grammatical errors but having conversation each other.



In conclusion, better English conversation methodology is most needed in English education in Korea. It can help set student's autonomy, and conversation skill is real close to practical English. It is no doubt that consistent discussion and support on this matter will open people's mouth and turn our vulnerable English education into more reasonable outcome.

You were very good at explainging why better English conversation methodology is necessary in Korean English education system. It would be much better if you added how to develop English conversation methodology. Maybe I was wrong to understand your writing.

There are a large number of students that sustain highly top grade of TOEFL score in English speaking countries. On other hand, it is also true that most of the greatly performed students in TOEFL have been suffering from not being absorbed with their debate class. It's been already proved that Koreans are not benefiting from high grade of the certified English tests. It's not late yet and time to do something for polishing up production skills making them reach actual and cultural based environments. I do hope you play a povotal role in boosting English education right here.
Thank you for your dedication to your essay. I really enjoyed it.

Bye,

Namsook,