과학영재학교 조기 입학 실태 및 중학교급 정규 영재 교육기관 필요성 탐색 : 과학영재학교 조기 입학생과 학부모 사례를 중심으로

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the issues with the support system for gifted education in South Korea due to the absence of regular middle school level gifted education institutions and to analyze the need for the establishment of such institutions. For this purpose, students and parents who had been admitted early to a science gifted academy were selected as research subjects for in-depth interviews. The interviews explored the advantages and disadvantages of early admission to science gifted academy, and gathered opinions on the necessity and operational methods of establishing regular middle school level gifted education institutions. As the results, students and parents noted that the advantages of early admission to a science gifted academy include the ability to study advanced levels of mathematics and science, subjects they are curious about and enjoy, as well as building networks and interactions among students with common interests. However, disadvantages include initial difficulties in peer relationships due to physical and psychological immaturity, requiring time to adjust to life at science gifted academy. Students and parents were stated that the establishment of regular middle school level gifted education institutions is expected to provide emotional stability through interactions with peers of similar interests and cognitive levels, and to aid in intellectual growth through motivation for academic work and positive competition. However, there are concerns that this could lead to an earlier selection of career paths and increased pressure from entrance ]examinations. Therefore, if regular middle school level gifted education institutions are established, further research will be needed to develop a continuous and systematic educational curriculum linked with science gifted academy and to prepare a stable admissions system.