Author: Dr. David Shaffer

David E. Shaffer is Vice-President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings (always on a Saturday). For many years, Dr. Shaffer has been a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including First Vice-President and Publications Committee Chair. Dr. Shaffer credits KOTESOL for much of his professional development in English language teaching. He is also editor-in-chief of Gwangju News.
Language Teaching

Leadership and Service: A Life Path for ELT Professionals

Dr. David Shaffer

Many people in the Gwangju area know Professor Park Joo-Kyung for her work in the field of English language teaching (ELT) as an instructor, teacher trainer, administrator, ELT association leader, and the list goes on. But what you may not be as aware of is that she is also widely known in ELT circles throughout the nation and, indeed, throughout Asia and beyond for her leadership and service – as attested to by her recent appointment as president-elect of AsiaTEFL. Our KOTESOL interviewer recently caught up with Dr. Park to quiz her more on her leadership and service activities over the years.

From the Editor

From the Editor: June 2022

Dr. David Shaffer

As the daylight hours get distinctively longer and the thermometer’s mercury climbs upward, we have become acutely aware of the changing of the seasons. The sixth month of the year ushers in not only the season of outdoor picnics, travel, and vacations but, very importantly, the June issue of the Gwangju News!

Language Teaching

Teaching Content Courses in the Students L2

Dr. David Shaffer

When we think of teaching lessons in English in Korea, we immediately think of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) and, most often, of the instructor being an expat, native speaker of English. However, what has been trending in recent years, especially at the tertiary level, is teaching content courses (e.g., engineering, history, mathematics) in English. To understand better this aspect of teaching, we have sought out Phillip Schrank, a university professor in our Gwangju community, for this interview.

From the Editor

From the Editor : May 2022

Dr. David Shaffer

May is here! We’re now in the heart of spring with its warm and super pleasant weather, some call it the “family month,” as it boasts of numerous family-related commemorative days. Children’s Day (어린이 날) is on May 5, and Parents’ Day (어버이 날) is on May 8. There’s Teachers’ Day (스승이 날) on the May 15, Coming of Age Day (성년의 날) on the 16th for everyone turning 19 in 2022, and Husband and Wife’s Day is on the 21st. Another day of celebration on May 8 this year is Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일) with its countless, brightly colored lanterns gracing Korea’s innumerable temples and surrounding areas.

Language Teaching

“Teaching for a Better World”: Advancing the Field of English Education

Dr. David Shaffer

If you are a language teacher in the Gwangju area or a member of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL), the nationwide teachers’ association, you have quite likely heard of Lindsay Herron. She has spent well over a decade teaching in Korea and almost as long involved in KOTESOL. Lindsay is presently the president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, a past national president of KOTESOL, and the chair of this spring’s KOTESOL International Conference. Lindsay graciously agreed to the following interview to talk about teaching, the local KOTESOL chapter, the upcoming conference, and a bit about herself.

Korean Culture

The Han in “Hanguk” : The Naming of South Korea

Dr. David Shaffer

This month’s article discusses the “han” in the Korean name of South Korea: Hanguk. Is “han” a Chinese loanword? Is it unique to Korean? Why was it selected for the name of South Korea? Why do Koreans put so much meaning into this han? Answers to these questions can be found in the following article.

From the Editor

From the Editor

Dr. David Shaffer

It’s April! No foolin’! The first of this month (Manu-jeol, in Korean), is not this year a time for the tricks and pranks and gaiety that usually accompany the day – not with the horrid nightmare that has unfolded in Ukraine.

Language Teaching

The Jeollanamdo Language Program: Still Going Strong

Dr. David Shaffer

“We are currently at just over 300 teachers. This number is on a slow decline, but this is mostly due to population decline, a prominent issue in Jeollanam-do.”