In this study, we analyzed the present creative convergence education researches and developed theory and models related to convergence education. In addition, we have developed convergence education programs based on the theory and the models, and ap ...
In this study, we analyzed the present creative convergence education researches and developed theory and models related to convergence education. In addition, we have developed convergence education programs based on the theory and the models, and applied the programs and learning materials to the students of elementary and secondary schools for analyzing educational effects by responses of the students. The lectures related to convergence education for teachers were opened to increase the capacity of teachers to teach the developed convergence education programs.
The results of the study are as follows. First, as a result of analyzing STEAM programs developed by STEAM Research Schools, the core competencies reflected in the programs performed did not differ greatly according to the school grade such as elementary school and middle school. In all schools, the five core competencies of creative thinking, understanding of convergence knowledge, communication, cooperation, and utilizing convergence tools occupied a large part, and critical thinking and problem-solving abilities occupied relatively small part. The core competencies of consideration and responsibility of convergence attitude were not reflected in all other programs except one program. Teachers were also developing programs that lacked understanding of the STEAM learning criteria, and therefore did not reflect the core competencies required at each stage.
Second, to examine the theories of convergence education, we analyzed the meaning of convergence, the reason why the conceptual problem was not arranged, and the reason why the relation with education was unclear, and examined the problems to be solved in convergence education. In this study, the discussion was based on the view of multiple reality. In particular, discussions on aspects of convergence education addressed more complex value associations beyond a limited perspective that considers only the value of convergence. For this purpose, this study examined the aspect of convergence education focusing on the choice of 'main'. Through these observations, we have examined the meaning of convergence and education that constitute convergence education, and the context in which each value can be identified. Then, based on pluralistic realism, we considered how convergence education appeared in different ways by dividing it into consolation, and other worlds surrounding it.
Third, science and engineering research models based on computing thinking which is increasing in importance in convergence researches were constructed, and education models for students were derived based on science history, mathematics history, and philosophy history. The detailed elements of computing thinking are data collection ⇒ data analysis ⇒ data representation ⇒ problem decomposition ⇒ abstraction ⇒ algorithm and procedure. We also set up a convergence education model based on SMART tools. Since SMART tools make use of information more widely and can be utilized in various problem solving situations, SMART tools are used in various fields to develop the basis of the convergence education models.
Finally, we developed a total of 8 kinds of convergence education programs. As a result of applying the developed programs to 6th grade, 7th grade, and 11th grade students, the students showed statistically significant improvement in learning development. The value of the programs were confirmed by the statistically significant change in the experimental group compared to the comparison group. In addition, two graduate lectures for in-service teachers based on the theory and models of convergence education developed and applied to teacher education.