Implementing Student-Driven Projects in a Korean Learner-Centered Middle School

• In Event: Differing Perspectives on School Improvement

Abstract

Personalized learning has been internationally promoted to prepare a future workforce with major competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving (OECD, 2018). Despite the growing interest in the needs for personalized learning in K-12 contexts, there is limited research on whether it is effective in nurturing essential skills like complex problem-solving. In this mixed-methods study, we investigated what competencies were developed through implementing personalized student-driven projects in a middle school in South Korea and how students were utilizing technology in the process of completing the project. As result, several problem-solving competencies and self-efficacy were improved. Findings from student focus interviews and classroom observations will be shared.

Authors

• Yeol Huh, Kennesaw State University

• Dabae Lee, Kennesaw State University

• Eunbae Lee, Kyung Hee University