• Journal of the Korean Institute of Educational Facilities
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.30-38
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• 2008

The aim of this study is to investigate present situation about occurrence of surplus classrooms by the merger and abolition of rural elementary schools, and to deduce basic architectural data for efficient utilization. It was examined based on the analysis of using pattern and interview of teachers of modernized elementary model schools. The occurrence ratio of surplus classrooms was about 30 to 60 percentages among seven investigated schools, the ratio was gradually increasing. Most of them were nearly leaving without certain practical use because of inaccessibility and low degree of diversion. The characteristic about diversion of surplus classroom was shown to change from special or learning room to living-related room and management-related room in order, finally, it was used a room for child care with a lapse of time. Long-tenn and continuous data accumulation for diversion and utilization of surplus classroom should be required.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Educational Facilities
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.84-91
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• 2003

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.611-625
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• 2009

The purpose of this research is to investigate the characteristics of beginning science teachers' subject matter knowledge (SMK) as revealed in their classroom teaching methods. In this research, we explored six beginning teachers' classroom teaching episodes on the 'work and energy' unit. Using open-ended interviews with the teachers and group discussions taking place on a regular basis to analyze and compare the classes of six beginning teachers, we extracted the features of beginning science teachers' SMK. Using grounded theory methods, the characteristics of beginning science teachers' SMK drawn from this research are: (1) beginning teachers' positivistic epistemology on science, (2) claiming the teacher's authority based on rich subject content knowledge, and (3) beginning teachers' science elitism. These epistemological characteristics are realized such PCK as (1) representational errors caused by the teacher's own science misconception, (2) doing harm to students with too much content knowledge, (3) sporadic content presentation lacking a focus, and (4) surplus class hours with lack of effective science teaching explanations. Suggestions for alternative perspectives on science SMK are presented by experienced teachers. In conclusion, science teachers' SMK is necessary, but not sufficient, for effective teaching. Science teachers' SMK does have an effect on science teaching, mediated by other types of teacher knowledge. The beginning teachers need a systematic support to transform their SMK into a viable PCK.