The objective of the present study was to develop a career education program based on the structure of cooperative learning and examine its effects on elementary students' career development. For this purpose, we conducted research tasks as follows.
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The objective of the present study was to develop a career education program based on the structure of cooperative learning and examine its effects on elementary students' career development. For this purpose, we conducted research tasks as follows.
First, develop a career education program based on the structure of cooperative learning for elementary students' career development.
Second, examine the effects of the career education program based on the structure of cooperative learning on elementary students' career development.
1) Test the post effect and continuous effect of the career education program on elementary students' development of self-awareness.
2) Test the post effect and continuous effect of the career education program on elementary students' development of academic and career search abilities.
3) Test the post effect and continuous effect of the career education program on elementary students' development of career planning abilities.
The subjects of this study were two 6th-grade classes at D Elementary School in Busan, which were divided into an experimental group and a control group, and pretest-posttest control group design was adopted. The measuring tool used in this study was 'Career Development Scale for Elementary Students' developed by Lee Jong-beom (2005). We developed and refined a career education program based on the structure of cooperative learning, and applied the program to the experimental group through 1~2 sessions per week and a total of 14 sessions for 8 weeks.
In order to examine the effects of the program, statistical analyses were made using SPSS 12.0. Independent sample t-test was performed to see the significance of differences between the control group and the experimental group using the mean values of the pretest, the posttest, and follow-up observation of continuous effect. In addition, content analysis was made using the students' writings during the program activities.
The results of this study are as follows.
First, difference in self-awareness between the two groups was not statistically significant in the post test, but was statistically significant in the follow-up observation of continuous effect. According to the results of analyzing the contents of writings, the children in the experimental group showed improvement in their understanding and consideration of others as well as in confidence and active attitude through cooperative activities. They also showed continuous interest in their career.
Second, difference in academic and career development between the two groups was not statistically significant in the post test and in the follow-up observation of continuous effect, but according to the results of analyzing the contents of writings, the children in the experimental group showed a high level of career consciousness and made clear resolutions to prepare for their career life.
Third, difference in career planning between the two groups was statistically significant in the post test and in the follow-up observation of continuous effect, and according to the results of analyzing the contents of writings, the children in the experimental group resolved to plan specific career plans and to do necessary preparations and efforts continuously.