It has been fifteen years old since I started to learn English. I met several teachers during that time. Among all of these the teachers, I remember an English teacher when I went to middle school. Her name was An Kyung Suk and she was my first English teacher. At that time, I didn't know how I could study English because I met English for the first time. At first it was easy to learn English because the first step was just to memorize the alphabet. I wrote the letters without any other thinking. For example, I didn't think about complex grammar or pronunciation. So my calssmates and I were interested in English class. After several classes passed, I learned real English including words, grammar, listening and so on. From that time, some of my classmates slowly lost interest in English. But other classmates, those who followed the teacher's orders, were more interested in English.
        At first she ordered us to make vocabulary notes. It was for memorizing new words in the textbook. There were few and easy words in the first chapter. For example how, do, I, she and so on. So it wasn't hard to learn English. But as class progressed, there were a lot of words and complex grammar. I was happy to look at the English textbook although it was hard for me to memorize words. There were not any words which I didn't know. I think it is important that teachers help students maintain interest in their subjects. There are so many methods which attract students. In my case, this teacher's method was good for teaching English.
        My English teacher gave us another assignment. It was memorizing whole sentences. It was very terrible and hard work although the sentences were short. Maybe I began losing interest in English from that time. When the class was over, I had to memorize what I learned that day. Then I had to say what I memorized in front of my teacher. I didn't know why I should memorize whole sentences. But when I took an English exam, I knew why I should do that. The form of the exam was to fill in blanks, and I could answer the questions although I didn't see the questions. So I always could get high points in English. As a result I liked English. In the listening part, she wasn't perfect. I think it was not her fault. We lacked time and equipment.  We used listening tapes for only five to ten minutes a class.
        I think it is important that students don't lose interest in any subjects. In this way, I got some help from my English teacher. Teachers should teach in a variety of ways so that students don't lose interest, and students should follow teacher's orders.
        Most of all, Koreans cannot speak English well in spite of the fact that they have studied for more than ten years. I think it is because of the system. Our English educational system has emphasized grammar too much. So we know grammar well but can't speak English well. What we need is conversation ability. I want to suggest that there should be native speakers in every school. For sure, I know it's not easy. In my opinion, Korean teachers should teach grammar and reading comprehension, and native speakers should teach speaking. In addition students must have chances to meet foreigners, so they can get rid of their fear of meeting foreigners. Here the important thing is students' attitude. So to speak, although the system and equipment are good, if students don't follow teachers' instructions, it will be useless.