국제한국언어문화학회

This study examines the problems and challenges for developing Korean programs abroad and provides formative evaluation for stabilizing and vitalizing the Korean major with a case study of Korean Program at Wellesley College in the U.S. The current status of the program and immediate issues for improvement will be assessed by focusing on three distinct aspects including needs, process, and outcome. As a result, the study highlights four areas for improvement; learners’ needs, Korean curriculum, pedagogical methodology and resource application. Practical recommendations have been made for each area, which include 1) expanding ratio of speaking activities, 2) renovating the program curriculum and vitalizing Korean major through integration of language and content courses, 3) promoting learner agency of learning by utilizing technology and human network, 4) systematizing human management, professional development and training of instructors, and shared program resources. The formative evaluation involves both curricular and extra-curricular activities of the Korean program. This evaluation methodology may serve as a tool to examine the management and related issues of other small Korean programs abroad at the micro level. Additionally, the outcome of the study will be useful for Korean programs seeking further development of Korean major or planning to launch new Korean major.