Fresh on the heels of recent government studies that poo-poo the notion of employing native English teachers in Korea, a refreshing new study confirms that native English teachers should remain to play a vital role in the ESL industry in this country.

The Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training issued a research report about the ‘Influence of native English teaching assistants on the English ability improvement of high school students’ in the Employment Job Ability Development Research Academic Journal, on May 23.

According to the study, Choi Hyeongjae, a professor of Korea University, stated that from seeing the results of native English teachers' levels of contribution to the English grades of general high school students, based on national academic achievement tests, native English teachers relatively tend to be more helpful for the success of advanced students and students with higher grade aptitude.

Choi said, “The results show that native English teachers are more effective for higher graded students than lower graded students, which leads one to conclude that those who are relatively more confident and ready for English should be able to receive teaching from native English teachers.”

He also advised, “To bring better positive effects of native English teaching to all students with different levels of grade, we also have to find ways to support those who have low English abilities and effectively teach to their English level.”