| In South Korea, the ability to speak English is much | | | | his students are more excited about the language and |
| coveted and prized, as English speakers are practically | | | | have greater confidence when it comes to speaking it. |
| assured a place in the best universities and land the | | | | As he says, the children learn with "high spirits". |
| best jobs. Unfortunately, English can be a tricky | | | | The system may not be perfect, but several |
| language to master, especially if the lessons are dry | | | | educational and psychological studies have shown that |
| and boring, as many of them are. Students also tend | | | | children learn best by participating in activities than by |
| to drag their feet when it comes to learning a new | | | | rote learning. Many experts advocate the inclusion of |
| language, regardless of what that language is. In an | | | | some form of kinaesthetic learning in traditional |
| effort to combat the problem and make learning | | | | education systems, as they believe that this will |
| English as fun and exciting as possible, Kim Sung-han | | | | enhance the overall education experience and have a |
| has come up with the concept of "Taeglish", which | | | | knock-on effect in all fields of learning. |
| entails teaching children English in combination with | | | | Regardless of what his detractors say, Kim Sang-han |
| Taekwondo. | | | | is sticking to his philosophy, and argues that the |
| Kim Sung-han started his first Taeglish class in March | | | | principles on which it is based are sound. His students |
| 2007, in a department store for children, and the | | | | are more energetic in the classroom and express |
| movement rapidly gained popularity, resulting in more | | | | more interest in learning than the other children tend to |
| than 40 academics teaching Taeglish across the | | | | show. How often do you see children truly excited |
| country today. | | | | about learning these days? Signs of enthusiasm should |
| Taekwondo commands are given in English, which the | | | | be nurtured and encouraged, not shot down because |
| students have to repeat back to the instructor before | | | | the methods by which they are gained are somewhat |
| carrying out the moves. Sceptics believe that the | | | | unorthodox. And the evidence is seen in how much |
| discipline is too limited to give the children a solid grasp | | | | parents and students love the Taeglish classes. As |
| of the English language, specifically its subtle nuances. | | | | one student, Jeon Ji-sun, said, " ... I noticed it was easy |
| This theory is borne out by the fact that Taeglish | | | | to learn English and memorise while practicing Taeglish. |
| students are not as proficient in the language as their | | | | It's fun. It is also good for my health." And what could |
| traditionally taught peers. But Kim Sung-han argues that | | | | be better than that? |