This study was conducted to determine the role of the cooperative and integrative learning experience using learning fields and student groups when the Hanaro teaching model, an integrative teaching method in physical education, is applied to middle ...
This study was conducted to determine the role of the cooperative and integrative learning experience using learning fields and student groups when the Hanaro teaching model, an integrative teaching method in physical education, is applied to middle school physical education. The study also explores Hanaro teaching in practice, and shows the educational effects on students and teachers when this teaching method is applied, especially when learning fields and student groups are incorporated. To achieve these goals, I tested the Hanaro model through learning fields and student groups at Inmoon Middle School and Anmok Middle School from March 2004 to May 2007. I also participated in the H.O.P.E. school team, which is affiliated with the Physical Education Teaching Center in Inmoon university and collected materials and data from other teachers in the team. I have practiced this teaching model for three and a half years, at Inmoon Middle school and Anmok Middle School and also collected and analyzed data from Hana Middle School, Heemang Middle School, Kangseogu, Seoul, Sarang Middle School, Gangnamgu, Seoul, Inmoon Women's High School, Jungrangu, Seoul, Heemang Middle School, Anyangsi and Hana High School, Seongnamsi. I collected data from teaching materials, self-examination reports, students' class self-examination reports, assignments from graduate school lectures, digital photographs, students' survey, materials from the internet physical education cafe(http://cafe.daum.net/HOPEschool), in-depth interviews. The collected data was analyzed in depth through example recording analysis, inductive category analysis, examination with members, conferencing with fellow teachers, and multi-sided analysis. The results from this study are as follows. I first established a full academic year teaching plan with planned total managements for each lesson. I formed learning fields which are the basis for the class 'integrative experience' and organized students groups which form the basis for 'cooperative learning'. Second, after practicing Hanaro teaching through the use of learning fields and student groups, remarkable changes were found in the level of engagement from students and teachers. The benefits for students through higher recognitions and increased engagement in class were evident through students increased voluntary participation in class activities. A greater integration of lesson content with a cooperative learning approach was observed. The teacher benefits through this learning approach are more defined teaching goals, efficiency in class management, and a variety of class content. Third, there are two distinctive educational effects of Hanaro teaching using learning fields and student groups, which are cooperative learning and integrative experience. The effects of cooperative learning included active participation, student independence, mutual understanding and a virtue to help and assist. In addition, the effects of integrative experience involved experiences of body and mind, discovery of ones true personality and exposure to sports-related culture. My fourth finding proved three factors that allows one to effectively manage learning fields and student groups. This can be achieved by constructing a nurturing physical setting, collecting and developing materials used in classes, and teachers' expertise to form and manage groups and create a stronger student-teacher relationship. It is also important to make the physical education curriculum at a university level more substantial as well as form 'professional friendships', which can be gained through the national physical education teachers' group and school physical education conferences. This study confirms that cooperative learning and integrative experiences are a direct effect of the Hanaro teaching method factors of incorporating learning fields and student groups. Students are also able to experience physical education through mind and body and form a better relationship with others. It is also helpful to have a positive attitude toward physical education as it can ultimately be transferred to an ideal way of life. Therefore, I consider it valuable and worthwhile to exercise learning fields and student groups through the Hanaro teaching method.