Last year, the Korea Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation released a report on the achievement and tasks of English education policies focused on practical English.

According to the report, more than 90 percent of elementary school students and their parents, 86 percent of middle school students and their parents, and 76 percent of high school students and their parents said that a balanced education of four skills ― reading, listening, speaking and writing ― would enhance students’ ability to communicate with English-speaking people.

The findings can be construed as a sign that Korean people at large are well aware of the significance of comprehensive approaches to teaching foreign languages, especially English.

Koreans spend about 200 billion won ($184 million) a year on taking English tests, such as TOEFL and TOEIC, to rate their proficiency level. To save the large spending on tests, the Lee Myung-bak administration has introduced the National English Ability Test (NEAT), which is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of English education at school.

It is disheartening that many Korean people cannot speak English fluently even after spending as many as 12 years or so studying to acquire the language. NEAT is intended to raise the level of Korean students’ ability to effectively express themselves.

Therefore, NEAT should be sincerely embraced as a tool for integrative English education. The purpose of the integrative approach to English education is to develop the four skills. The approach is advocated for the following reasons:

First, reproduction and reception are not to be separated like the two sides of a single coin.

Second, practical English has become very important in this age of globalization and information.

Third, written language and spoken language should mutually complement each other in order to produce a synergy effect.

Fourth, the learners can take an active part in language education.

Finland can serve as a wonderful example for English education in Korea because the two countries’ languages belong to the Altaic group and share its characteristics.

Finland has refrained from putting too much emphasis on English grammar, seeking to create a linguistic environment where cooperative learning is put before competition and where students are amply encouraged to use the English language in daily life.

Furthermore, the Finnish government has always ensured that its basic English education policies remain unchanged even when the government change hands. This really differs from the case in Korea where education has been subject to drastic changes under the pretext of educational innovation whenever a new president is elected.

NEAT was arduously crafted by the Lee Myung-bak administration to promote the competitiveness of Korean students. Whoever may become the next president, I hope that his or her government will strive to upgrade the scheme in line with the intent of the present administration. 

By Kim Jun-ho

Kim Jun-ho operates an English-learning institute in Busan. He can be contacted at kyr0221@hanmail.net. ― Ed.