This study aims to investigate the effects of employing a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) program as part of
pre-service secondary English teacher education. Eight Korean college students participated in the study. A pre-planned PBL
program was applied to performing class activities and preparing lesson plans throughout the whole semester. The data for this
study were collected from a questionnaire on the PBL program and reflective journals. The results of the study showed that
pre-service teachers could expand their knowledge of teaching theories and skills to prepare lesson plans through the PBL program.
Even though some students had difficulties in working as a team in the beginning of the semester, most of them evaluated
that they could learn better with their group members. The PBL program had a positive influence on academic
achievement and helped the students build team work and experience cooperative learning. The results verified that the PBL
program played a positive role in training pre-service secondary English teachers. It is recommended that a proper PBL program
be used in building and applying the knowledge of teaching since it can broaden the pre-service secondary English
teachers’ learning experience. A PBL program can be an effective way to expand students’ practical knowledge of teaching.