The purposes of this study were to analyze the sincere educational behaviors and lives of teachers applying for a recently opened innovative elementary school named ‘seoul W elementary school’ and thus to find the characteristics of teachers' cult...
The purposes of this study were to analyze the sincere educational behaviors and lives of teachers applying for a recently opened innovative elementary school named ‘seoul W elementary school’ and thus to find the characteristics of teachers' culture learn their formation.
For these purposes, the following research questions were set:
Firstly, What is the process of the formation of teachers' culture within recently opened innovative elementary schools?
Secondly, What are the characteristics of teachers' culture within recently opened innovative elementary schools?
Qualitative research methods, interviews, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, literature analysis were employed to solve these questions, and applied to 12 new teachers who started together when the school was first opened in March 2012.
As a result, the formation of teachers’ culture is summarized into the following categories: ‘detection stage’, ‘introduction stage’, ‘conflict stage’, ‘adjustment stage’, ‘grant meanings and settlement stage’, subdivided them in terms of school management, curriculum and communication.
The ‘Detection stage’ is when teachers who applied to work at innovative schools for various reasons, seek each other out. There are various aspects found from the three different perspectives as shown above, which are 'taking an active role in opening a school', 'having a sense of ownership', 'expecting restructured classes', 'pretending to be active', 'exposing themselves to others' and 'Feeling a sense of deprivation'.
The 'Introduction stage' is when teachers integrate their various cultures, customs and systems from their previous schools or attempt to create new systems. 'Integrating cultures from previous schools' and 'producing new cultures' are shown in terms of school management, curriculum and communication.
The 'Conflict stage' occurs when teachers attempt to integrate their own cultures and contact with others for certain times, they come into conflict with other cultures. 'Becoming an opportunist' in terms of school management, 'managing curriculums without planning' in terms of curriculum and 'avoidance of meetings' and 'not sharing' in terms of communication are found.
The 'Adjustment stage' is the stage when teachers adjust conflicts and find solutions using various strategies. Aspects are found as 'adaptation and patience', 'adjustment of work and cooperation', 'formation of relationship with different grade teachers', 'internalization of class values', 'avoidance, interference and control' and 'solidarity and communication'.
The ‘Grant meanings and settlement stage’ is that, in the process of adjusting conflicts with solution strategies, teachers grant meanings and develop common points of views. The subcultures then form based on those views. They are disappointed with the reality which is very different from their expectations and feel the gaps from frequent conflicts. However, they grant meanings through cooperation and acknowledgment between colleagues rather than by having physical rewards or better treatment.
These are the characteristics that define the process of the formation of teachers' culture. First of all, a familial atmosphere forms. Secondly, they try to solve problems by themselves. Thirdly, there is an aspect of avoidance of work responsibility. Fourthly, a democratic communication structure is formed. Fifthly, there is self reflection and making continuous effort. Lastly, a division of power forms through the teachers of progressive ideas.
As a result of this study, a plan has been found to form teachers' culture voluntarily.
Firstly, the autonomy of school management as well as curriculum should be assured. Secondly, a structure of democratic and active communication should be developed, which reflect teachers' opinions and provide feedback. Thirdly, an institutional environment should be established for self development and effort.