At the upcoming ACTFL 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts, KSIG will organize three major sessions as we did last year and Korea Foundation generously provides a Luncheon during the conference.  There were 7 papers accepted among 12 in total and below is the session information in November 19-21, 2010:

Session 1: Language Learner’s Attitude, Vocabulary Reinforcement and Transnational Identity in Korean(Chair: Danielle Pyun at OSU)

(1) Homecoming of Koreans from Diaspora: Transnational language and identities, Ji-Yeon O. Jo, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This research explores cultural and language-learning experiences of 1.5- and multi-generation young adults with Korean heritage who grew up outside Korea, but live in Korea to study or work during the time of research. Their personal experiences will be analyzed using comparative perspectives to provide deeper understanding of language experiences.

(2) Implementation of Vocabulary Reinforcement Lesson Plan in a KFL curriculum, Kwangjo Kim, DLIFLC

 Incorporating the three theories of human memory, “Dual Coding Theory” “Trace Theory”, and “Levels of Processing Theory”, this paper introduces and discusses a teacher-guided vocabulary reinforcement lesson plan designed to be implemented at the end of each chapter in order to review and reinforce the learned vocabulary.

(3) Korean Language Learners’ Attitude towards Oral Performance Assessments, Danielle Pyun, Ohio State University

This study investigated Korean language learners’ attitudes towards oral performance assessments. Students enrolled in first-year and second-year Korean language courses at a Midwestern university participated in this survey research. Data are analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics and are followed by discussion of the results and pedagogical implications.

Session 2: Technology-Enhanced Language Teaching in Korean (Chair: Insook Kang at UPenn)

(1) Mobile Korean Language Learning: Podcasting as an Educational Medium, Seowon Chi, National of Singapore University; Wai Meng Chan, Centre for Language Studies, National University of Singapore

This paper reports on a podcast developmental project for university Korean learners. It will describe the project's objectives, the design and contents of the podcast, learners’ usage of the podcast and their perceptions about its quality and usefulness. It will also discuss implications for future podcast design and further research.

(2) The Applications of Corpus in Advanced Korean Language Learning and Teaching, Ebru Turker, University of Pittsburgh; Na-Rae Han, University of Pittsburgh

This paper presents how cognitive linguistics principles are applicable in teaching Sino-Korean vocabulary (a large part of the Korean lexicon); this is done by capitalizing on verbal and non-verbal links. This presentation introduces an online study aid program that will enhance Sino-Korean vocabulary in L2 classes incorporating cognitive linguistics principles.

(3) The Benefit of Using Facebook for Learning Korean Honorifics, Insook Kang, University of Pennsylvania; Haewon Cho, University of Pennsylvania

This study presents findings on improvement in students’ ability to produce and recognize the Korean honorific usages through communication with the native speakers and the peers on Facebook, the biggest and one of the fastest growing social networking websites. Beginning II and Intermediate II classes will be examined.

Session 3: First Steps in Beginning a K-8 Two Way Bilingual Program, Naehi Wong, Glendale Unified School District

Presenters will show examples used in beginning a FLAP Grant Two Way Bilingual program: research, flyers, enrollment procedures, teacher recruitment, weekly schedule, assessment, etc. Based on a Korean 50/50 model, adaptable to meet the needs of other languages or models.

Research in Two Way Bilingual (TWBI) Programs shows students beginning these programs in Kindergarten and participating until grade 5 can outperform their peers in mainstream programs on academic assessments. TWBI programs help students maintain proficiency in their first language while acquiring a second language. It provides a true bilingual education for all students. Many school districts throughout the nation have adopted TWBI Programs for elementary students. The presenters will provide the audience with first steps in developing and implementing a TWBI Program and help with understanding the different program models. Participants will leave with a CD of the full presentation, sample schedules, recruitment materials and research to plan for implementation.

2. There are three other presentations in general session.

Designing and implementing online assignments to enhance proficiency
Presented by Hee-sun Kim (Stanford University)
Sat. Nov. 20, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Building/Room: Sheraton Hetel/Beacon A

Raising speaking proficiency using meaningful activities
Presented by Jong Oh Eun (DLI) and Mina Lee (DLI)
Sat. Nov. 20, 2:00-3:00 pm
Building/Room: Hynes Convention Center Rm 209

Useful freeware and shareware for visual material development

Presented by Byung-Joon Lim (DLI)
Sat. Nov. 20, 2:00-3:00 pm
Building/Room: Sheraton Hotel / Beacon A

3. Korea Foundation Luncheon, (Sat 11:15-12:45)

Sponsored by the Korea Foundation, this luncheon program will include a business meeting, information on Korean SIG, AATK and Korean K-12 organization.