Prof. Park Chang-seok |
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
A seminar was held on how to make the most of English newspapers to help improve the English proficiency of non-native speakers.
Six university professors and English education experts presented their perspectives on the educational use of English newspapers at the second seminar of its kind, which was hosted by the English Newspaper In Education Society of Korea (ENIES) at the COEX, Friday.
In his opening speech, Park Chang-seok, media professor at Kyung Hee University and ENIES chairman, said ENIES will seek to maximize the effectiveness of education using English newspapers and more publicity and distribution of new education methodology at schools.
Panels shed light on the role of ENIE at all academic institutes in Korea.
Appearing as the first presenter, James S. Chang, director of ENIES, said ENIE will be one of the best vehicles to improve English proficiency ― not only writing but also reading and speaking. He said unlike textbooks, newspapers will be more effective in attracting students' interest as they arouse curiosity, the most important ingredient for effective teaching.
``Most English materials deal with fixed issue or topics. But content in English newspapers change and contain a variety of news items. These can arouse students' curiosity,'' he said. ``So it can be so effective for English education that we use ENIE as a useful teaching tool.'' Chang said ENIE will help students cultivate critical thinking and creative writing skills.
In subsequent sessions, Shin Kyung-jae, researcher of Edu Times, introduced how to use photo captions, headlines and first paragraphs in the English daily, while Dankook University Prof. Park Myung-seok discussed how to promote English education through English dailies. Prof. Seo Dong-hee of Juseong College presented ways to improve listening, speaking, and reading skills, as well as writing and debating.
Established last September with some 100 journalists and university professors and English-language specialists, ENIES aims to teach journalism and journalism techniques in English through English-language newspapers in Korea, offering newspaper-oriented teaching materials to public and private schools and government institutions
Among ENIES members are Lee Chang-sup, executive managing editor of The Korea Times; Yu Kun-ha, managing editor of The Korea Herald; Kim Hyung-yeop, a professor at Korea University; and Ahn Young-sup, a professor at Myongji University. The society plans to hold more special lectures, seminars and writing and reporting competitions for English learners.
The second seminar was organized by The Korea Times, Teen Times and Edu Times at COEX Convention Center in southern Seoul.
kswho@koreatimes.co.kr
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