The purpose of this research is to examine extracurriculum activities in private kindergartens as well as the perception of both full-day kindergarten teachers and part time instructors regarding extra curriculum activities. For this research the foll...
The purpose of this research is to examine extracurriculum activities in private kindergartens as well as the perception of both full-day kindergarten teachers and part time instructors regarding extra curriculum activities. For this research the following research questions have been set.
1. What is the current situation of full-day extra curriculum activities in private kindergartens?
2. What is the perception of full-day teachers towards full-day extra curriculum activities in private kindergartens?
3. What is the perception of part time instructors towards full-day extra curriculum activities in private kindergartens?
This research is based data collected from 227 full-day teachers from private pre-schools based in Seoul, Kyunggi regions as well as ten part time instructors. Research tools were based on studies already made in Korea on the current situation of extra curriculum activities in kindergartens, questionnaires composed in consultation with a specialist and interview questions developed Kim Eun Young, Cho Hae Ju and Kim Kyung Mi(2008) and complemented and modified for the purpose of this study to research the perceptions of part time instructors.
The results of the research are as follows:
First, it was found that most private kindergartens run 2-3, sometimes as many as 10 different types of extra curriculum activities and the type and number of activities varied between kindergartens. As for the size of extra activities classes, although it varied according to the activity, they were mainly in small groups. The number of times these activities took place per week, differed according to the type of activity and one class usually lasted between 30-50 minutes. Fees to participate in such activities ranged between 20,000won to 40,000 won per child. As for whether the extra activity was an option, over half the teachers replied that it was mandatory for the children to take the extra activity classes. Over half the teachers replied that extra activities were not connected to the regular curriculum and full-day teachers met with part time instructors only once or twice a year.
Second, as for the teacher's perception towards extra activities in kindergartens, over half the teachers were satisfied with an external instructor teaching the activity and also expressed satisfaction with the appropriateness of the content, the effectiveness of the teaching method, expertise of the instructor. The reasons for running such extra activities ranged from wanting a diverse program, requests by parents and were important in order to maintain a program for the entire day. When asked for their views on the Government Special Activity Program, most teachers welcomed the plan as it took into account the reality of kindergarten education and looked forward to various programs being introduced. As for activities that teachers felt were needed for the afternoon program at pre schools, many replied that activities in art, music and sports were needed and they replied that an appropriate number of activities would be 2-3 about 2-3 times a week. Full-day teachers stated that an improvement in the quality of the instructor for the extra activities who understood children, was needed. There were also views that a basic fitness program for children, and a program that maintains the freedom of the kindergarten would be required.
Third, as for the perception of part time instructors on teaching extra activities in kindergartens, they had a free but busy schedule. They also have different schedules for each age group and spend a lot of their time travelling between schools. They place their main focus on making the children have fun and attracting their interest and they also believe safety, sociability and understanding principles are important for the children. Their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their teaching was based on how the children responded and they were also dissatisfied with their lack of expertise as well as pay. Regarding the Government Special Activity program, some welcomed it and they looked forward to an improvement in the quality of instructors, having a legitimate basis for extra activities, more teachers/easier management, and variety in program. However, there were some concerns about the uncertainty of their work position and that they did not think it was realistic. As for extra activities that they felt were needed in the afternoon program in kindergartens, most replied that art, music and sports were needed and appropriate number of lessons and frequency was 1-3 types of activities, 1-3 times a week. They also replied that external instructors were more suited than kindergarten teachers to teach these activities. Others replied that while they believed it was possible for the kindergarten teacher to teach, they felt it was more appropriate to have an external instructor who had majored in early childhood education. External instructors have put forward views that the education should focus on the children, there should be financial support for teachers training, variety in extra activities and supporting facilities should be established.