EFL Foreign Teacher Stress in Korea: Causes and Coping Mechanisms

N

12

Stress Variables; Teacher Burnout; Drinking; Coping; Foreign Countries; English (Second Language); Language Teachers; Stress Management; Teaching Conditions; Student Behavior; Behavior Problems; Teacher Administrator Relationship; Athletics; Friendship; Recreational Activities; Music; Correlation; Gender Issues; Teaching Experience; Age Differences; Second Language Instruction

Australia; Canada; New Zealand; South Korea; United States

Survey study of 53 foreign EFL teachers in Jeonju City, South Korea looks at causes of teacher stress and coping mechanisms between the years of 2004 and 2006. Results show foreign EFL teachers report moderate levels of stress and attribute stresses in roughly equal measures to student misbehavior and school director/administrative sources. Survey results also suggested primary coping mechanisms include drinking alcohol, sports, conversation with friends, hobbies including watching TV and movies, and listening to music. A strong correlation (r=.622; t= 4.53) was found between foreign EFL teachers' perceptions of stress in Korea and perceptions of stress at their teaching job. No significant correlations were found between foreign EFL teachers' perception of stress and gender, length of time teaching in Korea or plans to renew teaching contracts. Teachers interviewed in 2006 were an average of five years younger than those interviewed in 2004 and reported slight but not significantly higher levels of stress. Further research is suggested. (Contains 6 tables.)

As Provided

21

2008

ED502354