The Analytical Study on the Research Trends of Science Education in Korea(The period : 1992 ~ 1996)

국내 과학교육 연구 동향 분석(기간;1992년 ~ 1996년)

This study aims to analyze tile research trends of science education in Korea, and suggest the direction of the desirable research, which is to help the improvement of science education practically. To achieve these aims, the papers related to the science education (paper;1288, master′s thesis;724, doctoral thesis;59), which were published from 1992 to 1996 in Korea, are classified by the criteria for the analysis and summed up. The condensed results of this study are as follows, 1. The papers published through this period, maintains the stability in aspect of quantity compared with 1980s. It is owing to the efforts of the prime investigator so that "the science education," as a part of normal science, may settle down in Korea. 2. In the case of thesis for the academic degree, the doctoral theses are rare, as the ratio of the doctoral vs. the master′s is 1:13. Even so, most of the theses were produced by a few universities(master′s thesis/Kor. Nat. Univ. of Edu.;28.3%, Ewha Woman′ Univ.;16.2%, doctoral thesis/Seoul Nat. Univ.;57.6%, Kor. Nat. Univ. of Edu.;22.0%). 3. Most of papers are preponderant at three categories among the ten categories proposed by this study (science teaching-learning material;23.5%, science teaching methods;21.4%, psychology of science education;21.1%). 4. Concerning the subject of research, these papers are not diversity and intensive, that is; the subject related to scientific concepts, scientific thinking and attitude, and analysis of scientific textbook is 17.7%, 14.3%, and 10.5% of the total, respectively. 5. Though not including this study, among the theses for the master of science education, many of theses are related to the subject of pure science. There are some suggestions related to tile results of this study. The severe preponderance ill the training process, the subject, and area of research, can be pointed out one of the flimsy in our researches of science education. Because these cannot be considered separately, the policy and support of educational administration must be needed to remove this phenomena. To improve the present situation of science education, the research funds have to be given to the practical than the theoretical subjects. Which can make promptly a settlement of tile problems and difficulties from the field of science education, and encourage the reseal,:h activities that tile front teachers take part in. Lately, the accumulation of literature and references are a prior condition in the development of academic knowledge. Therefore the data base system for the information of science education and translation of foreign literature related to science education must be achieved. In addition, the programs that tile teacher and the investigator can make good use of such an information without limited conditions, must be prepared.