Native English-speaking teachers fight back
A shot from Google
By Oh Young-jin, Cho Se-yong
Many readers reacted to a recent article about a survey of Korean teachers in primary and secondary schools in Gwangju that showed native English-speaking lecturers were not cost-effective.
The following are some of the reactions on Facebook:
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2018/03/356_245000.html
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Sherlyn Leong said that the native speakers brought more to students than Korean teachers believed.
She said "English communication skills" was the area where native speakers’ role was crucial and one that Korean teachers could not match.
Eric Thomas said native English-speaking instructors allowed Korean students to overcome xenophobia.
“No matter how competent the Korean speaker may be, only a native speaker can help students overcome that fear," he said.
Other comments showed disappointment that "good looking" and "white" instructors seemed to be favored.
Some thought the Korean teachers may have evaluated the native English speakers with contempt.
Andrew Humps observed that native English-speaking teachers were paid better, but less was expected from them.
Charles Russell also questioned the survey, suggesting that the sample size was too small.
Don O'Brien, who said he had taught at a hagwon (private language institute), claimed that poor-quality teaching materials was a problem.