Pusan National University Department of Education BK21 Research Group Supports Youth Growth Through Self-Directed Learning

Operating a 16-Week Self-Directed Learning Program
Focusing on Emotion, Concentration, and Communication
for Shindeok Middle School Students Starting in March

The BK21 Social Responsibility in Education Research Group of the Department of Education at Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon), led by Kim Jungseop, is carrying out social contribution through education by operating the "Level Up for Myself" self-directed learning program for first-year students at Shindeok Middle School in Buk-gu, Busan, for four months from March to July.

The BK21 Social Responsibility in Education Research Group of the Department of Education at Pusan National University is operating a "Level Up for Myself" self-directed learning program for first-year students at Shindeok Middle School. Provided by Pusan National University

Graduate students from Pusan National University, who are members of the research group supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, are directly planning and participating as instructors in this program together with faculty members from the Department of Education and PhD-level researchers. They are providing various educational opportunities to local students based on the expertise they have accumulated in their field of study.

"Level Up for Myself" is a self-directed learning competency enhancement program designed by the research group to reflect the psychological and cognitive characteristics of adolescents in transition. This program is being implemented at Shindeok Middle School over a total of 16 weeks, from March 19 to July 16.

Students gradually learn skills such as emotional regulation, time management, concentration, and communication based on self-understanding, and in each session, they engage in activities such as recognizing emotions, keeping a study planner, and practicing communication with friends. In particular, the program sets as its main goals the development of positive self-awareness and the strengthening of learning motivation centered on the belief "I can do it," which helps students adapt to school life, participate in class, and improve their learning abilities.

Kim Jungseop, head of the research group and professor at Pusan National University's Department of Education, stated, "This program is regarded as an exemplary case of strengthening educational equality and service through cooperation between the university and the local community." He added, "The research group will continue to develop educational models that realize social responsibility by expanding educational opportunities for local youth."