A Qualitative Study of Running질 Science Garden질

과학동산 운영에 관한 질적 연구

  • Published : 2002.12.01

Abstract

'Science Garden' is a science program that develops acquirements of science & technology at an early stage through experiential study and inspire the spirit of scientific inquiry by carrying out laboratory work, science movie, science lecture, scientific work, outdoor activities, computer classes and science experiment which is hard to do through the regular educational course. It is targeted grade 4,5,6 students during summer and winter vacation. 'Science Garden' is conducted by selective participation freely. It is a wholelistic activity that develops children's potential talents or creativities, improves interest and attitude toward science, and also gives opportunity for self-realization by extending capacity for inquiry to show each student's ability. This study is observed and is compared how it is conducted in elementary school using qualitative study. This study is used narrative observation, in-depth interview and document analysis. Objects of narrative observation are two elementary schools, each from Jellabukdo and Gyeonggido, and 7 teachers were interviewed in-depthly. Here are results of the study. 1 A teacher in school G never takes part in student activities, tends to be indifferent to classes, but focuses on observation and experiment in laboratory. And feedback or evaluation about student's activity is never done. On the other hand, a teacher in school S guides students to understand the principals of science on themselves, and wide variety forms of activities such as role playing, discussion, and games are being done. But an effort to evaluate student's activity is not being made properly. 2. Teachers set a high valuation on the need of 'Science Garden'. Observing the way of conducting 'Science Garden', usually teachers who is in charge of science for official work is selected as a teacher in charge, and groan under a heavy burden of conducting it without anyone's help. Participating students are selected by volunteering or teacher's recommendation, but because of low Participation rate, teachers have difficulty in conducting it. Plan for conducting ‘science Garden’ is made 20 days before it, after getting an official document from Office of Education, refering to booklets produced by National Jungang Science Institute, or data from Office of Education, and internet. Teachers evaluate rarely Most school principals have interest in 'Science Garden' but parents are not well aware of it, The budget is made at the same time with the plan, and scale is varied between 200,000∼500,000 won. Because of the improper way of selecting teacher in charge, difficulty in selecting students, heavy works caused by planning, conducting the program, as well as reporting teacher's work, and lack of parents' awareness, 'Science Garden' has been conducted formally and superficially. Next gives you direction to change, for the right way of conducting' Science Garden'. It is important to motivate competent teachers to instruct students actively. For students' active participation, They should publicize thoroughly beforehand, and develope 'Science Garden' program for teachers to be able to make better use of it. Evaluation of student activities and program should be done in the aspect of developing students’ faculties. Beside of school facilities, they need to put diverse local facilities and places to practical use for immediate natural experience. And not only separate schools but also associated form of schools to conduct it is necessary.

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