21세기 학습자 중심 영어교육의 방향

Directions for Learner-Centered English Education in the 21st Century

This study proposes that, in the 21st century, English teaching in Korea should be implemented in a learner-centered way, not only in name, but in substance. The author initiates his arguments by attributing the reason for a loose application of learner-centeredness in Korea to its Confucian educational practice deep-rooted in history. He suggests that learner-centered teaching will assist Korean English teachers to overcome the constraints of traditionalism in the new era. The author gives a brief overview of recent development of English language teaching from the prescientific era to structural linguistic, to cognitive linguistic, and finally to learner-centered English education. He then conceptualizes learner-centeredness from the four perspectives which, combined together, have given birth to modern western traditions in foreign language education: humanistic movements in general education, communicative approach to curriculum developments, orientation towards individualized instruction, and process-oriented English education. Finally, the author goes into the details of open English education and self-directed learning. He argues that teachers need to have an in-depth awareness of learners’ motivations, learning styles and strategies to be able to incorporate the traditional teacher-centered approach into more learner-based teaching. In order for this to be materialized, teachers should seek open-mindedness in their own teaching situations and develop professionally from the traditional status of ‘teacher as explainer’ to ‘teacher as involver’, and even to ‘teacher as enabler’ in the long run, in an effort to facilitate self-directed English learning.