The purpose of this study was to enhance Buddhist preschool education in quality, by analyzing teacher job satisfaction in Buddhist kindergarten, As finding out problems associated with job satisfaction, and exploring reform measures. It's further mea...
The purpose of this study was to enhance Buddhist preschool education in quality, by analyzing teacher job satisfaction in Buddhist kindergarten, As finding out problems associated with job satisfaction, and exploring reform measures. It's further meant to discuss how working condition could get better to encourage teacher to offer quality preschool education in more stable, satisfactory condition and ultimately to dynamize Buddhist preschool education.
The subjects in this study were 300 selected teachers in 45 Buddhist kindergartens in six large cities, including Seoul, Incheon, Taeagu, Kwangju and Pusan, which were members of the Buddhist Kindergarten Teacher Association. A survey was conducted, and the major findings of this study were as below:
Concerning the general characteristics, 46.7% of the teachers investigated had worked less than two years. By age, 89.8% were in their 20s. They expressed a moderate satisfaction at job satisfaction subfactors. The most satisfactory one was human relations, and the social recognition was the second most satisfactory one. Their satisfaction at these two was above average. However, welfare, administrative system and reward gave them a strong dissatisfaction. Those who were better educated or had more career were less in total job satisfaction, and were more displeased especially with reward. The teachers who took charge of less young children, or who worked in smaller kindergarten, were more contented with their job.
The following conclusions were made from the above-mentioned findings:
First, Buddhist kindergarten teachers should be institutionally guaranteed to receive equal treatment. To increase their morale and secure excellent teachers, it's required to maintain a certain range of basic reward, guarantee their employment, prepare pension and medical benefit, readjust training and business trip allowances to a realistic level, supply pay for maternity leave and long-term sick leave, and improve working environment. Also, the excessive class size that made it hard for teachers to prepare for class, manage children and do guidance should be resolved urgently.
Second, the heads of kindergarten should encourage and support teachers, and try to have a good understanding and expert knowledge of preschool education. In addition, the administrative support system should be reinforced.
Third, most of the Buddhist kindergartens encountered financial difficulties due to small size. Financial aid should be provided from the nation to eliminate the trouble, and kindergarten should be inserted in public education at an early date.
Fourth, Buddhist-specific, unique programs and teaching materials should be developed to make a good use of Buddhist kindergarten charactehstics, and teachers should be reeducated on a regular basis to be properly cultivated as a Buddhist teacher, enrich teaching methods, and learn how to make and use teaching materials.
Fifth, the department of preschool education should be created in university to foster qualified, cultured Buddhist professionals and secure able teachers.
Sixth, the parties concerned to Buddhist preschool education should join forces to exchange diverse ideas and informations, and all kinds of seminar, workshop and teaching material exhibitions need to be held.
Finally, every religious order should have more positive understanding of Buddhist preschool education and provide extended aid. Preschool education should be included in every religious order's propagation act, and the current adult-centered missionary work and act should be enlarged to foster preschool education teacher and offer preschool education. Besides, Buddhist priests should have more concern for preschool education and recognize its necessity correctly.