유학에서의 아동교육

Abstract

This paper examines child development through teachings of Neo-Confucianism, Yang Ming studies(陽明學), and Realist School of Confucianism(實學) and reviews each school's theories on child development, and pedagogical method to come up with ways to address Korean education problems. Traditional Confucianism education model is based on Confucius' seven developmental stages: filial piety(孝)･courteousness(悌)･prudence(謹)･trust(信)･love(愛)･patience(仁)･literacy(文). This education model believes that the moral behavior starts in a family, then expands to society. At the same time, traditional confucianism puts great emphasis on moral education and believes that moral education must precede knowledge learning from books. Neo-Confucian thinker and educator Chu Hsi believes that children develop in stages, first achieving 'physical fitness' followed by 'mature mind.' Thus, good character is built through repetition of good manners in everyday life. Chu Hsi's child development is based on the belief that good manners in everyday life helps child develop good composure. Korean Neo-Confucius thinker Yi Yulgok emphasizes importance of early-childhood education and child's ability to mirror and repeat. Yulgok's theory shares similarity with Chu Hsi's theory on child development and teaching methods. Yang-Ming studies do not regard children as adults but regard children as humans that know the difference between good and evil from birth. Therefore, this school of philosophy places emphasis on the process of intuitively gaining knowledge about human emotions and ethical behaviors and becoming an adult through reading. Philosopher Yang Ming prioritizes 'emotion and ethical education' and proposes a theory on child that children should develop intelligence through reading. His argument echoes that of Hagok. The Realist School of Confucianism scholar Lee Duk Moo argues that behaving with manner in everyday life is the best way to practice justice. Sasojeol(士小節), which presents six types of children's moral education methods shed a lot of light on modern education.