Schools push to increase English lectures in a global era while students complain of unpreparedness


Korean universities are increasing the number of courses taught in English in a bid to raise their global competitiveness, a key criterion in university rankings.

Some students, however, doubt whether English lectures are effective for study. They argue that lectures in English cause hassle for both professors and students.

Rhee Ki-peum, a senior majoring in Russian language and literature at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, is frustrated whenever English lectures are given by Korean professors in less-than-perfect English pronunciation.

“I wish professors unprepared to give lectures in English did not do it at all,” Rhee said.

She feels most troubled when she has to take written tests in English.

“Even if I know the answer, I can’t write because I don’t know how to put together sentences well in English. Then I write in Korean instead, although I know I could get my score cut,” she said. 

Rhee added that she feels helpless when her classmates fluent in English write papers and take written tests with ease.

It is not known how many students are struggling their way through English lectures, but Joseph Schouweiler, a visiting professor of the division of international studies of Hanyang University, said about 10-20 percent of his students at English lectures for general courses have difficulty studying in the language.

In some top-tier universities in Seoul, about one-third of classes are conducted in English. English courses account for 38.03 percent at Sungkyunkwan University; 30.83 percent at Hanyang University; 35.72 percent at Korea University and 42.10 percent at Kyung Hee University, according to figures from the Joongang Daily university rankings.

These days every major has lectures in English including such subjects as Korean language and history.

Schools with a smaller number of English lectures are working hard to increase them, with some requiring students to take certain credits before graduation.

“My school has opened too many English classes in the name of globalization, so students struggle to keep up with them,” said Choi Jang-hoon, president of the student council of Dongguk University, which has increased its number of English lectures since 2010.

His school has linked English lectures to scholarships.

“A student with 4.3 GPA without credits from English classes is disadvantaged in receiving scholarships compared to a student with 4.1 GPA who took English classes,” Choi said.

Another Dongguk student surnamed Chang said classes were introduced as English lectures in the syllabus, but are actually conducted in Korean.

A mathematical economics professor at a Seoul-based university told students that his course would not be fully covered and taught in English. He did not recommend his class to foreign students who are not proficient in Korean.

Teaching subjects in English may not effectively deliver knowledge, some professors say.

“If you ask which language is more effective in delivering academic knowledge, English may not be appropriate. For Korean students, Korean will be more effective in letting students know subtle difference in meaning in case of literature,” said Kim Hae-yeon, professor of English literature at Chung Ang University in Seoul.

Inevitable trend in a globalized world

But from a long-term perspective, professors say, it is inevitable there would be an increase in the number of English lectures.

“Honestly speaking, students are frustrated (with taking lectures in English), but they are well aware that they are required to speak and write English well,” said Shin Dong-yoon, an economics professor at Kyung Hee University who conducts his labor economics class in English.

Shin said English proficiency was as important as academic knowledge, considering the bleak employment prospects for college graduates.

“This is especially so for students attending universities with an academic atmosphere more inclined to pragmatism,” Shin added.

Kim Kun-sun, a Russian language and literature professor at Sungkyunkwan University, said English lectures are becoming a must in an academically globalized world where an increasing number of foreign students attend Korean universities.

“A globalized university means having international students, and in this respect, I think we need to offer more English lectures,” said Kim.

Keeping up with the trend means more work for professors as well.

Sungkyunkwan University offers a one-on-one coaching program for professors struggling with giving English lectures.

The program assigns a native English speaking instructor to a Korean professor lecturing in English. It also offers a consulting service, too, using a video of exemplar lectures done in English.

“The program not only corrects pronunciation but also improves communication skills and teaching styles of professors,” said Lee Sang-eun, a senior researcher of the Center for Teaching and Learning.

“It is one of the most popular teaching assistance programs for professors because it helps them build confidence in conducting English lectures.”

Professors seem satisfied with the help they get.

One professor who had taken the course said he wished he could continue with more sessions.

“The correction of my pronunciation went quite well,” said another after finishing a round of sessions.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)