창의력을 돕는 영어학습법 연구

A Study of English Teaching Method to Improve Students' Creativity: The Comparison of EFL classes between General High Schools and an International High School

Creativity is widely considered to be one of the most important abilities to foster in this information age society. Since English classes at international high schools are known to be strong in fostering communicative competence and creativity, this study aims at supplementing English classes in general high schools with methods/approaches modeled after those of an international high school. So, this study compares and contrasts English classes at an International High School with those in 8 general high schools in large cities in terms of the English curriculum, teaching environment, and teaching materials, activities, and assessments. Information has been gathered through narrative inquiry, that is, an interview with a teacher who worked in general high schools in Seoul for 20 years and has been working at "J" International High School for over three years. Some useful guidelines derived from analysis of English classes at J International High School are as follows. First, utilize a variety of authentic real-life materials to supplement textbooks, considering students' interests and lesson objectives. Second, design a variety of enjoyable tasks and activities that are appropriate to students' levels of proficiency. Third, ask students open-ended questions which have no right answers, but activate students' creativity and problem-solving abilities. Forth, provide as much pair and group work as possible so that students can actively interact with each other. Fifth, integrate four skills so as to provide a communicative environment that is similar to real-life situations. Sixth, make learning meaningful by letting students use their personal experiences and opinions. Seventh, create a warm and friendly classroom atmosphere that allows students' unique and original ideas to be expressed. Eighth, assess communicative competence, creativity, and participation in class. Finally, teach English in English for students to get accustomed to thinking and communicating in English.