Korean Language Education Department at Gwangju National University Holds Special Lecture on Pre-Service Teacher Practicum

Gwangju University Department of Korean Language Education held a practical special lecture for prospective Korean language teachers preparing for Korean language teacher certification. Photo by Gwangju University

Gwangju University (President Kim Dongjin) announced on the 11th that the Department of Korean Language Education held a special practicum lecture for prospective Korean language teachers who are preparing for Korean language teaching certification.

The special lecture, held on the 10th at Hosim Hall of Gwangju University, was conducted by Kim Hyang, an instructor at the Gwangju University International Education Center. The lecture aimed to help prospective teachers assess their qualities and competencies as educators and to acquire teaching and learning strategies applicable in actual educational settings. The practicum also included comprehensive training in fluent and accurate Korean language usage, Korean language teaching methodology, and classroom management skills.

Students observed language training classes and conducted teaching practice in real classrooms. The observation classes covered various areas such as pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural education. Practicum students wrote observation journals to analyze the class content and received feedback.

This practicum included students from various backgrounds, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Korea. Lee Sumin, a student from the Department of Library and Information Science, is also pursuing a minor in Korean language education.

The Department of Korean Language Education at Gwangju University operates a Korean language teacher certification program in cooperation with the National Institute of the Korean Language. Graduates of the program can obtain a Level 2 Korean language teacher certificate without a separate examination. The curriculum is systematically designed to help prospective Korean language teachers of various nationalities develop both expertise and practical skills.

Kim Yunhee, head of the department, said, "We prepared a practicum-centered special lecture so that prospective teachers can understand the flow of Korean language classes, experience communication with learners, appropriate use of teaching materials, and effective class management," and added, "As the qualities and attitudes of teachers determine the quality of classes, I hope that students will achieve self-assessment and growth as teachers through the practicum process."