Abstract

The “Free Semester System” has been introduced by the current government in 2013. The free semester system was expanded to all middle schools through a pilot project in 2016. The purpose of the free semester system is to allow the 1st students attending middle schools to discover their own dreams and talents by doing away with the entrance examination-oriented education. In order to explore students’ dreams and talents, it is necessary to provide activities of the community out of the school. Therefore, the role of the community becomes very important.

 

In this context, this study aims to analyse the corresponding situation of the free semester system in Seoul. Also, this study aims to suggest activation plans for the free semester system. In order to achieve these aims, this study has been conducted by using a survey and a case study, and interviews. Especially, a survey was carried out to assess the operating status of the free semester system in 105 public institutions in Seoul.

 

The main results of the survey and interviews are presented below:

First, the chief’s interest in the free semester system appeared to be high (69.5%). But, the supporting system, such as budgets and the support staff, was insufficient. The expense was 21,532,000 won per public institution. Also, the number of permanent staff was 2.2 persons per public institution.

Second, community organizations pointed out that the most urgent and important thing is to share about the school situation in order to enable the free semester system.

Third, activities of career exploration that support the career-work experience have been linked mainly to schools and community organizations by the center of supporting for career-work experience (hereafter referred to as CSCE).

 

On the basis of these results, this study suggested several strategies. Above all, this study proposed to reinforce the supporting system of the career-work experience by designating CSCE as a hub center. This study suggested that Seoul metropolitan city offers several incentives to community organizations providing career experience and supports official training and education. At the same times, it should support the development of a program for quality of the career-work experience programs.

 

Contents

01 Introduction

1_Background and Purpose of the Study

2_Main Contents and Scope

3_Research Methods

4_System of the Study

 

02 Analysis of the Current Condition of the Free Semester System

1_Performing Process of the Free Semester System

2_Current Status of the Free Semester System

 

03 Case Analysis of the Free Semester System of Community

1_Overview of the Case Study

2_Case of the Free Semester System of Community

 

04 Operation Realities of the Free Semester System in Seoul

1_Overview of the Interview

2_Operation of the Free Semester System

3_Improvement and Suggestion of the Free Semester System

4_Summary and Implications

 

05 Analysis of the Correspondence of the Free Semester System of Public Organization in Seoul

1_Overview of the Survey

2_The Current Supporting Status of the Free Semester System

3_Recognition and Corresponding status of the Free Semester System

4_Summary and Implications

 

06 Policy Agendas of the Free Semester System

1_Strategies to Support of the Free Semester System

2_Policy Suggestions