The adaptive Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) implemented in August 2023 Interview with Phan Nguyen Nhu Quynh of KSI Hanoi 1, who garnered the first place in the trial implementation

The Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) is a computer-based assessment, in which the levels of difficulty for the questions are adjusted according to the test-taker’s level. It is the first such attempt in Korean language education. What were the test-preparations of Phan Nguyen Nhu Quynh, who took the first place in the trial implementation of the adaptive Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) conducted among 1,000 Korean learners at home and abroad since August 9 ?

Hello, Ms. Phan Nguyen Nhu Quynh. First of all, please tell us about yourself for the readers of Monthly Knock Knock.

Hello! I attend KSI Hanoi 1. I am a third year student at the Department of Marketing at National Economics University in Vietnam. Nice to meet you!

I would like to know when you first became interested in Korean language, and how you started learning it.

I started liking K-pop and Korean dramas in middle school, became interested in Korea, and started learning Korean language. At first, I studied Korean because I wanted to know what Korean celebrities were saying. But when I started learning it, it was so much fun and I wanted to do better. However, in middle and high school, English was more important and I could not concentrate on Korean. After graduating high school, I started attending KSI and began studying Korean diligently.

I wonder why you chose KSI, among many ways to study Korean. And please tell us about KSI Hanoi 1 that you"re currently attending and its classes.

While studying English, I started thinking that the most basic and essential skill in learning a language was speaking. If your pronunciation isn’t clear or your intonation is awkward when communicating, it may be difficult for the other person to understand even if you use correct words and grammar. So for me, it was most important to have as many opportunities as possible to talk accurately and naturally in Korean with Korean teachers. I also wanted to experience Korean culture by learning Korean. I knew there are many outstanding Korean teachers in KSI Hanoi 1, and they had various cultural experience activities every semester. That"s why I trusted and chose KSI.

I wonder how you felt when you first learned Korean. Was it easy, difficult, or interesting?

I thought it was fun. I had only used Vietnamese and English, which use the Romanized alphabet. Seeing Hangeul which looked completely different was amazing. I started studying Korean purely out of curiosity, so to me, it feels like a hobby rather than studying.

You got the first place in the adaptive Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) that was implemented on a trial basis from August 2023. What is your secret to studying Korean that gave you the good result?

As I said, the biggest secret to learning Korean is to study it “as if you’re enjoying a hobby.” I immerse myself in Korean and learn the language naturally by watching K-pop and Korean dramas every day. In classes, I take in new knowledge with joy and excitement when I learn things that I had heard in dramas. If you learn something that is your hobby, you will never get bored or tired.

The Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) is divided into listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections. In what section did you get the best score, and which section was the most difficult?

Both in exams and when studying, I am better at listening and reading. Writing and speaking are harder. I think the former is the step to gaining more knowledge, and the latter is the next step through which you use the knowledge. I should practice writing and speaking more often.

The Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) is a computer-based assessment in which the levels of difficulty for the questions are adjusted according to the test-taker’s level. Weren"t you confused because the test method was different? I want to know how you feel about taking the test.

I took many online exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, so there weren’t any technical difficulties. I had pre-tests before the actual test, and I got used to the system. Thanks to this, I was able to complete the test without any problems.

You experienced the adaptive Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) before most other Korean learners. In what ways do you think this assessment is effective and advantageous?

The adaptive Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) is an online test that learners from many countries around the world can take easily. If it is conducted more often, it would provide convenient opportunities for Korean learners to practice. As of now, there are not many Korean proficiency assessment texts that cover all areas of reading, listening, writing, and speaking. I think the adaptive Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) that allows you to check your skills in all these areas is a test that greatly helps Korean learners.

Please give some advice to Korean language learners on learning Korean and preparing for the test and take the adaptive Internet Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA).

I prepared for the assessment with Sejong Korean language textbooks. I think I was able to do well because it was not much different from the tests that you take at KSI. It will be helpful to use your Sejong Korean language textbooks.
Some people may worry that there may be technical difficulties in taking online tests. If you carefully check the text guide provided by KSIF and follow the instructions, taking the test wouldn’t be a problem. Since the writing assessment is also done online, I recommend you practice typing Hangeul with your desktop or notebook computer.

What was the best thing and the happiest moment you had while learning the Korean language and culture?

Every moment that I experienced Korean language and culture was a happy moment! If I had to pick one, the most memorable would be the two weeks I spent in Korea in January this year for a cultural exchange program. I was very happy already that my first trip overseas was to Korea. It was great to be able to experience the views that I had only seen on screens and the feelings that I had previously only imagined.

Tell us about your goals or plans for the future regarding learning Korean.

I recently advanced to the finals for the 2023 National Korean Speech Contest, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam. I am preparing myself to get good results. I plan to continue to participate in as many Korean contests and Korean cultural activities to improve my Korean skills and gain opportunities to come to Korea. Thank you!