The Seoul KOTESOL Chapter is pleased to share presentation content for our members this November to continue our offerings and invite KOTESOL members and KOTESOL-curious to engage with content, socialize, and build our ELT community.
We have two presenters this month sharing content: Meerbek Kudaibergenov presenting research titled How race, nationality, and marital status create privilege and disadvantage in ELT, and Rhea Metituk facilitating a discussion titled Understanding Generation MZ in English Language Teaching.
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How race, nationality, and marital status create privilege and disadvantage in ELT.
Abstract:
This talk is situated within the ELT context of Korea, an environment notorious for perpetuating inequities, racialization, and discrimination in its discourses and practices. I discuss the experiences of one German national who taught English in Korea despite legal restrictions against him as a non-native English speaker and attempt to describe the niche occupied by teachers like him (and myself). I use intersectionality theory to examine how factors like nationality, race, and marital status intersect to create privilege and disadvantage, and discuss implications for social justice within ELT. Through this talk, I advocate for a more inclusive and equitable ELT environment in and beyond Korea.
Published paper: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-023-00783-5
Meerbek Kudaibergenov, PhD, is an assistant professor at Seoul National University of Science & Technology. With a keen focus on Eastern and Central Asian contexts, his research explores various dimensions of ELT, student and teacher identity, higher education, and country image. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals including the Asia-Pacific Education Researcher; International Journal of Educational Development; and Journal of Language, Identity & Education. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7717-9473
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Understanding Generation MZ in English Language Teaching
This presentation will be a discussion meant to delve into the unique characteristics and learning preferences of Generation MZ (Millennials and Gen Z) in the context of English Language Teaching. Rhea's perspective will be based on teaching university conversation classes and will invite all attendees to share their opinions based on their perspectives. The discussion will explore effective pedagogical approaches, digital tools, personalized learning, and how to foster critical thinking. Attendees will gain practical strategies for engaging and motivating Generation MZ through insights, ensuring their language learning experiences are relevant, impactful, and future-ready.
Rhea Metituk is an assistant professor at Myongji University in Seoul with a BA in psychology and an MA in English education, specializing in writing and digital media. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has taught various subjects including speaking, writing, business English, and TOEIC listening. Rhea has presented in Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, with interests in media literacy, psychology, creativity, and well-being. She serves as the Seoul Chapter President of Korea TESOL and the 2025 International Conference Chair. Rhea co-founded and leads the Women and Gender Equality and Environmental Justice SIGs and chairs the Code of Conduct committee. She is a research partner for a virtual exchange between Korean and Japanese university students and is involved in a Japan-based Kakenhi research
project: the Reel Voices film festival. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, films, and fitness.
