• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.47-60
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine students' experiences in the dietary life class using traditional Korean desserts in middle school home economics classes. Participatory observation, in-depth interview, and site data collected in this study were analyzed through emic coding, and the results are as follows. First, students had 'expectations about Han-gwa lab classes.' Students were always positive about lab classes, looking forward to eating delicious food and eagerly awaiting their first lab class since entering middle school. Additionally, there were many students who were experiencing Han-gwa for the first time, so expectations about learning about Han-gwa were high. Second, students engaged in 'self-directed learning through the Han-gwa project.' In other words, while creating an activity book about Han-gwa, the students realized self-directed learning about the differences between Han-gwa and Yang-gwa (Western-style sweets), and the scientific principles of cooking Han-gwa. Third, students had 'instilled pride in Han-gwa through lab classes.' The students learned that there was sufficient awareness and change in values to cherish Han-gwa and to inherit its traditions. Fourth, there was a 'potential curriculum effect.' Students who did not experience face-to-face group activities for three years in middle school due to COVID-19 came to recognize the importance of collaboration and even tried making Han-gwa at home. In order for students to have pride in Han-gwa, it was confirmed that it was necessary for home economics teachers at school to actively teach classes on traditional foods and provide students with many opportunities to encounter them.