A Qualitative Case Study on Curriculum Implementation in Consolidated Schools

Abstract

This study aims to investigate characteristics of curriculum implementation in consolidated schools through a qualitative case study and to discuss how to improve the consolidated school system with the faculty. Three consolidated schools nationwide were selected as cases in this research. A case study was adopted for research methodology, and the qualitative data were collected through relative school documents, in-depth group and personal interview, and participant observation. Results were presented in terms of curriculum management plan, curriculum implementation, and teaching and learning. Administrators and teachers showed low perception and understanding on curriculum integration among different school levels such as elementary, middle, and high school. A few teachers responded that they thought about importance of curriculum integration and strived to implement ideas on their lessons. The ideas such as principal's independence in school management, changes in educational law, simple audit system in school district, and permission to teach for all grade levels were discussed to improve the current consolidated school system in Korea.