몰입교육과정에 대한 올바른 이해보급의 필요와 한국에서 실행 시 고려사항

A need to disseminate a correct understanding of immersion education and areas to be addressed regarding its implementation in Korea

The presidential immersion education initiative which had been undertaken in South Korea in early 2008 encountered strong public opposition. Since then, consideration of immersion education has largely been sidetracked, despite the fact that immersion education could be a viable option for English education in Korea. The main objections seem to have been the result of a lack of correct information about immersion education. In this paper are outlined the key goals, theoretical basis and curriculum typical of immersion education as they have been implemented in the United States and Canada. The intention is to correct misunderstandings of immersion education in both academia and the society at large. Certain terms related to immersion education may have lead to misperceptions. Preferable alternatives are suggested. Major concerns regarding immersion education in Korea are reviewed, particularly those pertaining to the pace of Korean language development and academic achievement as well as identity conflicts. Finally, suggestions are made with respect to areas to be addressed in order for immersion education to become established in Korea.