A Narrative Study on the Experience of Non-Native Prospective Korean Language Teachers Participating in a Poetry Recitation Competition

This study aims to deeply explore the meaning embedded in the preparation, participation, and award experiences of non-native prospective Korean language teachers in poetry recitation competitions, in light of Dewey’s notion of “an ex perience,” and to derive educational implications. Qualitative research employing narrative inquiry through in-depth interviews was conducted. The study partici pants were three non-native prospective Korean language teachers from a four-year university in Seoul who participated in poetry recitation competitions. The findings yielded insights into “the meaning of growth experienced through participation in poetry recitation competitions,” “discovery of new values through participants’ internal perceptions,” and “exploration of self-directed and active internal expe riential meanings based on Dewey’s principle of ‘an experience.’” Key findings include: firstly, participants experienced self-discovery and internal growth through new experiences and preparation processes. Secondly, they discovered new values through community belonging, appreciation of effort, increased interest in Korean literary works, heightened confidence in their field of study, and experiences of internal healing effects. Thirdly, participants engaged in self-directed and active internal experiences.