CULTURES - KOREAN

Reflections of a Korean Community Member

Are there any significant differences in the educational system of your country of origin and the U.S. that would affect teaching an English language learner? What challenges would these pose both for teachers and students? Are there any advantages of coming from that educational system for your people? Which ones?

As mentioned in the “Attitude” portion of the background information section, “Korean students are generally quiet, avoid eye contact, and remain silent instead of initiating conversations with a superior, such as a teacher.” In many cases, they are followed directions which are given to teacher. Thus, Korean students are not very active participants in any classroom discussions, and instead remain silent. They may not express their opinion about critical information until a teacher allows them to do it. “Korean children also avoid telling a teacher that they do not know an answer when called upon or do not understand class material. They have been brought up to believe that it is their own responsibility to learn the information and that if they misunderstand the information it is their own fault. "Besides, admitting to struggling with the material in Korean could directly insult the teacher and embarrass the student in front of the class." Therefore, it is suggested that a teacher needs to pay close attention to Korean students to check if they have some input in a discussion or any presentation.

Are there any cultural differences/tendencies that teachers need to keep in consideration (that they MAY encounter) when teaching people from your cultural group?

Again, Korean students may not participate very actively due to their different cultural background. Therefore it is recommended that a teacher intentionally ask a Korean student in order to give them a chance to talk or present their ideas or opinions.

What are the major religions within your ethnic group?

Christianity and Buddhism

Do you think religion has an impact/effect on the way people in your culture tend to learn?

Yes, in some degree. Sharmanism, Confuism, and/or Buddism have been dominant religions in the country and embedded in the culture deeply for a long time (as well as Chistianity later). They are very much interwoven with various family culture, social behavior, traditions, and customs.

What factors in the home or family relationships are critical for a teacher to know?

As informed in “The Korean Parent” section, “Parents believe that education is the best predictor of their children's future success. Education is seen as a future advancement to a higher social status, and many parents are very willing to provide payment to tutors to help their children be successful in their academics.”

“Korean parents typically support school, understand the necessity of parent involvement, and praise their children for achieving high academic marks. Grades between families are often shared and can be seen as a reflection of the family's reputation. Korean students are encouraged to succeed as they are achieving goals for not only themselves but for their families as well. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on the student as they try to succeed academically.”

How do the circumstances of emigration, being a refugee as opposed to leaving by choice, impact the needs of the students and influence instruction?

In many cases, Korean parents immigrated to U.S. for better education: have their children expose more freedom of expression and more chances of personal development out of from Korean societal pressure in Education. The pressure is getting more serious. In many cases, Korean parents are willing to sacrifice and even give up their profession in Korea to come to the United States for considering their children’s education.

Are there any other issues that are important for teachers to understand that we have not identified? Please elaborate.

As described in “Language” section, there are big differences in Korean grammar and structure. For example, Korean students are not familiar with gender specific pronouns, may be confused when they encounter that usage. Also, Korean students might be confused in expression of singular and plural words due to their language system difference. It is recommended that a teacher needs more pay attention to correct them and to encourage them to get familiar with the grammar. I think all the items listed #1- #12 are very important for a teacher to know.