The Current State of and Recommendations for Korean Language Education in US K-12 Schoolsfrom the Perspective of a World LanguageKorean Teacher - Based on the Focus Group Interview -

Abstract

Journal of the International Network for Korean Language and Culture 19-3, 161-197. This study aims to understand the current situation of Korean language education in American K-12 schools and to propose future objectives by interviewing World Language Korean Teachers. Focus group interviews were conducted with nine teachers in eight American states, and the findings are as follows: 1) the World Language Korean Teachers have an identity as teachers who teach Korean to achieve the educational goals of American society and local school districts among numerous non-Korean students in K-12 schools in the U.S.;2) Korean language is fiercely competing for survival among World Language subjects, and several variables affect the set up and maintenance of classes, including regional and school specificity, Hallyu, North Korean issues, determination of principals, efforts of local Korean and private organizations, support from the Korean government, and the COVID-19 pandemic;and 3) against this background, Korean language teachers are burdened with not only classes but also curriculum design, instructional design, and educational material development. Based on the above interview results, we propose support at the Korean government level, active participation in local universities, institutions, private organizations, and academic societies in the United States, and close cooperation between the two sides.(Sogang University, Korean Language Foundation Korean Curriculum Development Committee)