Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Stout]

Cut down on tests, bone up on reading, according to Krashen

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20120116001207

U.S. scholar stresses natural, easy way of English learning
2012-01-16 19:19

A prominent U.S. scholar in second-language education has proposed a method of learning English which emphasizes reading, running counter of traditional way based on grammar.

�There has been a lot of suffering in English class when you were learning a foreign language, and it was unnecessary,� said Stephen Krashen, emeritus professor of education at the University of Southern California.

He remarked at a lecture to Korean parents on optimal English education in Seoul on Monday that easy language-learning is made possible through interesting study materials, such as books, being used in an environment where students feel more relaxed, free from the pressure of tests.

Stephen Krashen, emeritus professor of education at the University of Southern California, talks about optimal English education with Korean parents on Monday in Seoul. (Yonhap News)

For some Koreans, learning English is a lifelong struggle, but Krashen stressed reading can be the easiest and the most effective tool in learning English.

�The book is the best tool for language acquisition,� Krashen noted.

�I see too much time and money spent in the wrong way, and if Korea invests money in the current English education into building more libraries with good English books, I think that will help their kids develop high English competence,� said Krashen.

Krashen said students are taking too many unnecessary tests that disrupt natural language learning. He criticized test-taking as failing to improve their English proficiency and preparing them just for exams.

�Instead, if you invest time and money spent on tests to quality books and building libraries, students will naturally score tops on English tests as they get to read many good books in English and develop language competency naturally through reading,� Krashen said.

�We acquire a language in one way ― when we understand it.�

By Lee Woo-young ([email protected])

[some waygug-in]

This has been known for years, but I doubt Korea will change.

[ontheway]

Reading is essential of course, but the right kind of tests encourage learning as well. Most students who face no tests are less likely to study and will learn less. Very few are motivated enough to study without testing and most teachers are unable to discern the lack of progress in a non-testing regime. Proper tests not only provide a measure of progress and encourage study, they are learning tools themselves.

[some waygug-in]

Yes, but the key to what you have said is "the right kind of testing".

I think what Krashen is talking about is an over abundance of testing (of the wrong kind - like multiple choice, fill in the blank thingys), while leaving out important things like reading.


One problem I see is this; sure money can be spent on putting English books into school libraries (and that is good) but without any follow-up programs to support students' reading, it does nothing.

What good are books on shelves if nobody reads them?

You have to have reading as an essential part of your curriculum to be of any real value.

[ontheway]

[Stout]

[The Cosmic Hum]

This is hardly ESL news...more like an advertisment.
Stephen is pushing his reading book...The Power of Reading.
Book sales are declining and the market is fiercely competitive. Authors have to promote more just to stay in the market.
Best of luck to him.

[some waygug-in]

Still, he is a well known scholar in the field, I hope and pray some in Korea will take notice.