Whole Language for Teaching Literacy

Wan, Ho Kim

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2001;2(1):177-195.
Published online June 30, 2001.

Whole Language for Teaching Literacy

Abstract

The present paper is an attempt to present some whole language strategies for teaching literacy in the Korean EFL context. Since 1994, Kwang-Ho Ha has claimed that English education in Korea should be reformed by implementing whole language philosophy. Whole language includes the following principles:(1) language is indivisible; (2) language instruction is learner-centered; (3) instruction involves all four modes: listening, speaking, reading, and writing; and (4) reading and writing are to be meaningful and functional. This paper will first discuss the whole language principles for developing literacy. Next, it will present the methodology for this study. Finally, the paper will explore some strategies which are applicable to the Korean EFL context.