The Effects of Earthquake Experience on Disaster Education for Children and Teens

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors of disaster experience that impact the effectiveness of disaster education on school students (children and teens). Following the magnitude 5.4 Pohang earthquake in 2017, Pohang City Hall conducted a school earthquake disaster education program over a period of four months (August to November) in 2018. Professors and graduate students from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology taught around 5000 middle and high school students, while also conducting surveys. The experiences of the Pohang earthquake were analyzed and divided into cognitive responses and emotional responses. Students who felt activated emotional responses, surprise and fear, but not joy, tended to have more effective educational experiences. On the other hand, unpleasant emotional reactions, such as anger and sadness, had a negative effect on educational effectiveness. The cognitive response, which is perceived intensity in this research, did not impact educational effectiveness significantly. These results imply that the emotional responses of students are more important than their cognitive responses in providing a disaster education program. This means that even though an earthquake may be small in magnitude and may not cause physical damage, we still need to provide immediate disaster education to the children and teens if they are surprised and afraid of future disasters.

School-Based Education Programs for Preparing Children for Natural Hazards: A Systematic Review

“…In addition, it was concluded that there is not a standard in the educational system of Ecuador to prepare students for tsunamis. 61 Yeon et al (2020) 81 South Korea Quantitative/ correlationalobservational study Total 3316 middle-school and high-school students It was indicated that disaster education after Pohang earthquake was effective because students were motivated to learn protective actions.…”

A systematic review of the shape of disaster education

“…Disaster education should be taught to students at all levels of education [1] using diving tools and technology [2]. Various kinds of devices in residential areas can be used to learn about disasters, e.g., water, fire, rope, wet sacks, and others.…”

“…Students can become the "agents of change" in transforming and improving the understanding and preparedness of disaster education. They can share and discuss with their families what they have learned at school about disaster preparedness [1]. Furthermore, disaster education can be delivered in various forms of education by local policies [5], including lessons, training, discussions with teachers and friends, reading and listening, using hypermedia systems, games, after-class activities, and intercultural projects online that can help increase survival and trauma healing.…”

“…Furthermore, disaster education can be delivered in various forms of education by local policies [5], including lessons, training, discussions with teachers and friends, reading and listening, using hypermedia systems, games, after-class activities, and intercultural projects online that can help increase survival and trauma healing. The experience of dealing with disasters through various forms of education, although at different levels, when dealing with actual disasters can improve the control of actions and emotions [1].…”

Delphi-based Research into School Efficiency During an Earthquake Crisis

“…Half of Iran's population today consists of children and teenagers, who form one of the most important groups subjected to disasters and accidents (Mehr Aeen & Kazemi, 2016). Earthquakes can also change the attitude of students toward school and education, particularly when they are kept away from school for a very long time (Yeon, Chung, Im, 2020). They also cause physical and mental harm and cut off educational services (Baytiyeh, 2017;Trip, et al, 2018).…”