Primary School Novice Teachers' Perceptions of English Education and Development of English Teaching Skills

The present study aims to discuss primary school novice teachers' development of English teaching skills through training sessions for designing a curriculum and their viewpoints on challenges and significances as they execute after-school programs. Five newly assigned teachers participated in this study. Data was collected through observations of novice teacher training sessions every week during the study, and in-depth interviews conducted three times. The study investigated two questions: 1. How do novice teachers perceive English education, and what is their attitude towards teaching English? 2. In what ways can novice teachers improve their English teaching skills through after-school English programs? Findings highlighted that novice teachers' perceptions of English education was positive and evolving even though they were under pressure, especially in limited English environments in Korea. The novice teachers participated in continuative training sessions, which provided basic teaching methods and materials. With organized training schedules, the novice teachers developed their lessons as well as created more teaching ideas. The study found that there are many areas in which novice teachers can improve their teaching skills through training sessions for designing and executing after-school English programs.