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http://dx.doi.org/10.5934/kjhe.2014.23.2.175

Teachers' Experiences with North Korean Defectors' Young Children during Their Initial Settlement Period at Pyeonghwa Kindergarten  

Kang, Jai Hee (Dep. of Early Childhood Education, Osan University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Human Ecology / v.23, no.2, 2014 , pp. 175-191 More about this Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to acquire in-depth understanding regarding teachers' experiences with North Korean defectors' young children during their initial settlement period at Pyeonghwa Kindergarten. The participants of this study included 2 kindergarten teachers and 15 North Korean defectors' young children along with 3 local classmates. Qualitative data was collected via interviews and in-class observations. The study results show that (1) teachers witnessed that North Korean defectors' young children came from diverse backgrounds and struggled with emotional insecurity while local classmates were being excluded by them, (2) teachers had difficulties to communicate and make a consensus with their parents while teachers' efforts to communicate were being paid off gradually, and (3) teachers felt that kindergarten education was de-prioritized administratively to elementary education, and many programs were cancelled due to lack of understanding of in-charge staff.
Keywords
North Korean defectors' young children; early childhood teacher; qualitative study;
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