(Concurrent Session)
Gavin C. Farrell, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Barney Battista, Suwon Science College
English Language Teaching at Vocational Colleges: Research on Activities That Work
Abstract
A growing area of interest for educators in Korea is vocational colleges. This teaching environment is unique from public schools, hagwons, and universities, and it is growing. Our presentation will start with a research report on the current role of vocational colleges in Korea. Two aspects of language relevant to students entering trade professions will be looked at: vocabulary (cf. Nation, 2001) and functions, as used by the Sydney School (cf. Halliday,1985; Martin, 1992). Also, it will investigate how activities such as info gaps, role plays, and grouping techniques can be modified from other learning contexts to make them effective for vocational colleges. Qualitative data will include feedback from students and interviews with vocational college instructors around Korea.
Biographicals
Gavin C. Farrell teaches in the Department of English Linguistics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Originally from Windsor, Canada he has worked internationally for over 20 years. His research interests are young learners, critical literacy, teaching newspaper editorials, and the utility of vocational colleges in South Korea.
Barney Battista is an Assistant Professor of English at Suwon Science College. His interest include vocational colleges, student-centered teaching strategies and intercultural communication.
Return to the list of Concurrent Sessions at the KOTESOL 2016 International Conference
