By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
Teachers and parents have been divided over the government’s plan to expand English classes at elementary schools.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology plans to set up more English classes for primary school students. Currently, grade 3 and 4 students have one hour of English instruction and grade 5 and 6 students receive two hours per week, but the ministry is now pursuing providing at least three hours for students past grade 3.
``Some 70 percent of parents and more than half of teachers support the expansion of English classes, according to a recent survey. If we increase English classes, we can remove the English education gap between children in cities and rural areas,’’ said Kuen Yong-han, the ministry official.
After public hearings on the plan, the ministry will decide on curricula revision and apply it from 2010 at the earliest. However, progressive teachers and some parents groups are opposing the movement.
The Korea Teachers and Education Workers’ Union (KTU) said the ministry should scrap the plan and cancel the unachievable goal of trying to make students gain basic conversation skills only through regular school education.
``Why does the ministry focus only on English education? They should balance all subjects. We understand the importance of English education, but it is not necessary for third-grade children to have intensive English education. Other countries like Austria and France do not stress English education too much, like us,’’ said Han Man-jung, KTU director.
Meanwhile, many other foreign English experts see the movement as positive. ``I think it’s very good idea although it would put more pressure on teachers. Learning another language is difficult and more exposure to languages when you are younger will give better results.
If you are exposed to English only one day per week, it’s like putting one step forward and then taking two steps backward,’’ said Julie Sormark, an American English teacher trainer in Korea.