University General Education Research Articles

The General Mathematics Course ‘Mathematics and Life Sciences’ for Non-science and Engineering Students

In modern society, alongside the rapid advancement of science and technology, the role and importance of mathematics are increasingly being emphasized. Such advancements, including data analysis and artificial intelligence development, rely fundamentally on mathematical thinking and theory, which have become essential elements across all academic disciplines. Against this backdrop, the role of university general mathematics education has become undeniably important. It is necessary not only for students in science and engineering, but also for those in the humanities and social sciences, to have access to balanced mathematical education. To this end, universities must focus on developing a variety of general mathematics courses. This paper presents a detailed case study of the design and operation of a basic general mathematics course titled “Mathematics and Life Sciences,” offered to students in the humanities and social sciences at Y University in Seoul. The course is structured to enable students to learn essential basic mathematics theories that are crucial across various disciplines and to apply them to phenomena in life sciences. In doing so, students will gain a better understanding of certain interdisciplinary connections as well as enhance their thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, this paper analyzes the educational effects and positive feedback from students obtained through a decade of continuous improvement in the content and operation of this course. Based on this analysis, this paper proposes future directions for development and research tasks in the educational field. This research is expected to contribute to the exploration of the direction in which university general mathematics education should head.

A Preliminary Discussion on Revitalizing Humanities Based General Education in the Era of Generative AI

This research aims to analyze the educational changes and issues occurring in the field of university general education, especially in the humanities curriculum, which are heavily influenced by generative AI technology, and to propose the direction and tasks that humanities based general education should pursue in the future. Chapter 2 examines cases of educational use of generative AI in current Korean universities. Chapter 3 considers the implications and ripple effects of generative AI technology from a humanities based general education perspective and analyzes what the new role of humanities based general education should be. Chapter 4 presents content and methods to substantiate humanities based general education in the era of generative AI through specific course examples. Throughout this study, the researchers have concluded that humanities based general education, which explores humanity, needs to be strengthened further in the AI era, albeit in a different way than before. In particular, it emphasizes the need for a diversified education in text criticism, analysis, and creative problem-solving centered on humanistic classics, enhancing the roles of logical, critical, and creative thinking education in an integrated manner. Additionally, the study examines some examples that are needed for an integrated humanities based general education needed in the AI era and explores the possibility of true integrated education that transcends the boundaries of humanities, science, technology, and the arts.

Fostering systems thinking about socioscientific issues

ABSTRACT Systems thinking is essential for understanding wicked real-world problems and suggesting solutions. This is the case for addressing socioscientific issues (SSI) that involve inter-related personal, socio-political, cultural, scientific, economic and moral dimensions. It is challenging for teachers to support students in adopting and practising systems thinking when they explore SSI. In this study, we tested the extent to which causal loop diagramming (CLD) developed students’ systems thinking. We examined a 2-week teaching unit that used a computer-based CLD tool to foster students’ systems thinking about obesity in a first-year university general education course. Ninety-six students from a variety of majors/disciplines participated in this study. They worked in groups and engaged in reading news, proposing actions while creating causal loop diagrams about factors that contributed to obesity and approaches to tackle the issue. We analysed their pre-, mid-, and post-unit causal loop diagrams (3 × 26 groups) and weekly reflective memos. The data revealed their significant shift towards a systems approach of thinking. The reflective memos showed that the shift was afforded by cycles of construct–revise–use as they created the diagrams. The findings suggest the potential of causal loop diagramming to foster systems thinking in the sense-making and decision-making of SSI.

Analysis of Errors in the Usage of the '把' Construction in the Korean University General Education Course ‘Travel Chinese’

Analysis of Errors in the Usage of the '把' Construction in the Korean University General Education Course ‘Travel Chinese’

The Implementation of Art Appreciation Courses in Chinese University General Education: A Case Study

This research critically evaluates and assesses the current status of Art Appreciation Courses (AAC) within the General Education (GE) curriculum in Chinese universities. The investigation is focused on delineating the strengths, pinpointing the weaknesses, and identifying potential areas for improvement. The research methodology encompasses a thorough review of relevant literature and the implementation of a qualitative case study approach. Interviews were conducted with four AAC instructors, selected through purposive sampling, and their documents were subjected to analysis. The primary findings suggest that the instructors are committed to enhancing students' humanities knowledge, aesthetic education, and artistic abilities by developing appreciation skills. However, they encounter several challenges, including a limited knowledge base among students, inadequate course duration, insufficient facilities, and a tenuous connection between the course and the major. The instructors adhere to a teaching philosophy integrating aesthetic education using a situational model, cultivating positive attitudes and distinctive courses. Our study recommends several enhancements for Art Appreciation Courses (AAC) in Chinese universities. We suggest diversifying AAC topics and facilitating cross-cultural comparisons. Active learning should be promoted through interactive methods and participation in art activities. Interdisciplinary integration can be bolstered by collaborating with other disciplines. Lastly, resources should be augmented, and assessments should be diversified to foster creativity, and student engagement should be enhanced.

대학 교양수업에서 프로젝트 기반 학습의 팀 성취도 및 학습만족도에 영향을 미치는 요인 규명

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the impact of task authenticity, team composition satisfaction, appropriateness of task burden, instructor role satisfaction, and evaluation appropriateness on learners' perceived team achievement and learning satisfaction in project-based learning within a university general education class. This research sought to understand the factors that contribute to learners successfully and satisfactorily carrying out projects.
 Methods The study involved 138 students who participated in a six-week project-based learning program as part of a general education course at a 4-year university in Seoul. Following the completion of the project-based learning, a survey was conducted to assess five predictor variables and the dependent variables. Multiple regression analyses were employed to explore the relationships between the predictor variables and perceived team achievement as well as learning satisfaction.
 Results The perceived team achievement was significantly predicted by team composition satisfaction, appropriateness of task burden, instructor role satisfaction, and evaluation appropriateness. However, task authenticity was found to be non-predictive. The predictive power for perceived team achievement was highest for team composition satisfaction, followed by instructor role satisfaction, evaluation appropriateness, and appropriateness of task burden. Learning satisfaction was significantly predicted by team composition satisfaction and instructor role satisfaction. On the other hand, task authenticity, appropriateness of task burden, and evaluation appropriateness were found to be non-predictive. The predictive power for learning satisfaction was highest for team composition satisfaction, followed by instructor role satisfaction.
 Conclusions To enhance team achievement and learning satisfaction in university general education classes with project-based learning, it is most effective to elevate team composition satisfaction. Increasing satisfaction with the instructor's role can also enhance both team achievement and learning satisfaction. Finally, applying diverse evaluation methods and maintaining an appropriate level of task burden have been shown to contribute to the improvement of team achievement.

Experiencing art creation as a therapeutic intervention to relieve anxiety -a case study of a university's ceramic art course.

University students are anxiety prone. Due to their changing their social roles, the proportion of university students with anxiety is relatively high. In this study, using the simple random sampling, we surveyed 53 university students, including sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This paper examines the relationship between art creation and anxiety. This study uses the Self-Assessment Anxiety Scale (SAS). The test form measures the presence and extent of their anxiety problems through a series of questions. We tested the effects of an art creation process on SAS scores and suggest best practices for course settings and teaching methods for art-related subjects. Art therapy intervention reduced anxiety. The most effective technique was found to be slapping the clay board during the creation process. Other actions relieved anxiety as well. Results suggest that the art creation process is an application of art therapy effective in relieving anxiety in university students. Key actions in the process of creating art are closely related to the treatment approaches used in art therapy interventions. This has the potential to not only improve mental health, but also to promote the health and well-being of students. Implications for future research: Rapid societal changes increasing competition for employment creates work and life pressures. University students face challenges with learning, peer competition, and employment, often resulting in anxiety. A diversified curriculum can alleviate anxiety through proper curricular planning and design. Based on this, the university's arts courses should be able to study how to improve and optimize the existing teaching and learning outcomes and can be integrated with the university's general education curriculum planning. Through appropriate teaching content and learning methods, the courses of university general education can play a role in reducing students' anxiety and promote physical and mental health, thus contributing to sustainable development of the society.

Developing College General Education Courses from the New Liberal Arts Perspective: A Case Study of “Greek Mythology”

Developing College General Education Courses from the New Liberal Arts Perspective: A Case Study of “Greek Mythology”

The KAGEDU : Its History, Structure, and Domestic and International Academic Exchange Activities

This paper first examines the history and development of the Korean Association of General Education (hereafter KAGEDU, 2006), which represents the Korean liberal/general education community, in the context of its close relationship with the Korean Council for University General Education (hereafter KCUGE, 2001) and the Korea National Institute for General Education (hereafter KONIGE, 2011). It then examines in detail the number and characteristics of the KAGEDU's members as well as its constituent organizations, operating principles, and the interrelationships among them. Next, this paper finds that the KAGEDU’s <i>The Korean Journal of General Education</i> (hereafter KJrGE, 2007), a first-class academic journal recognized by the NRF (National Research Foundation) of Korea, is a unique national academic journal in Korea that encompasses all aspects of liberal/general education. It is an outstanding leader in terms of publication frequency, number of published articles, and influence index, dominating its field. As a result, the Journal serves as the best public platform for liberal/general education in Korea. This paper also deals with the main features of the KAGEDU's domestic academic activities (Spring and Fall National Conferences, LACs, Seminar 21, Publication of ‘Collected Works of Liberal Education Classics,’ and Selection of Excellent Books) and its activities for international academic exchange (holding international forums and conferences, Blue Waves Lectures, and Libeducols). In particular, it explains that the KAGEDU initiated the establishment of the Asian Liberal Education Network (ALEN) and the holding of the first Asian Liberal Education Conference (ALEC) in late 2023. According to this paper, the two academic events symbolize a very significant outcome of the joint Asian international academic exchange efforts that the KAGEDU, as the hub for liberal education in East Asia, has been leading since 2018. Finally, this article examines the challenges facing the KAGEDU in terms of the ambivalent effects of its relationship with the KCUGE and the KONIGE, its financial independence, modernization of its administration, its under-researched areas, and its need to nurture the next younger generation of scholars. Then, it proposes measures to promote international academic exchange including the establishment of a common Asian liberal education university/college.

Development of University General Education Classes using Microlearning and Analysis of Class Satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to present the development and operation of liberal arts classes using microlearning content and to analyze class satisfaction to examine the necessity and applicability of microlearning classes in university liberal arts education. Developed by reflecting microlearning characteristics, tClass is a one-credit class designed to be available in a nonlinear manner for five weeks. After this course, a satisfaction survey of all remote classes and tClass students was conducted to find out the level of satisfaction of learners and focus group interviews were additionally conducted with four applicants. As a result of the study, both timeliness and accessibility were high due to the nature of remote classes, and tClass showed a high level of satisfaction among the students, especially when it came to the learning materials and the accessibility of the items. On the other hand, poor concentration, boredom, and a lack of willingness to learn were found to be obstacles for remote classes. Based on the above research results, the suggestions are as follows. 1) In order to better implement the characteristics of microlearning, sufficient prior coordination is needed to determine whether or not we should change the academic system. 2) In order to develop microlearning, it is important to set an appropriate lecture topic and a suitable level of class difficulty. 3) There is a need to design learning activities that can help students take a leading role regarding their own learning and inspection. 4) In order to improve learners' concentration and understanding, video production methods need to be diversified and their level of completion needs to be increased. It is hoped that the results of this study will be used as basic data to develop microlearning classes in universities and to enhance learning effects.

대학 교양교육의 교수·학습 방법에 대한 연구 동향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine trends in research related to teaching and learning methods in university general education. Methods For this study, a total of 107 domestic research papers published between 2012 and July 2023 were selected. Content analysis was employed, and the analysis criteria (including year, teaching and learning methods, academic fields, research objectives, research types, and application environments) were used to conduct fre-quency analysis and cross-analysis. Additionally, word cloud analysis was utilized to analyze the frequency of ap-pearance of keywords in each research paper. Results Firstly, the results of frequency analysis across six domains showed a noticeable recent surge in re-search, particularly in technology-based, discussion-oriented, and problem-based teaching and learning meth-ods, including flipped learning. Humanities emerged as the most frequently studied academic field, with a strong emphasis on effectiveness analysis, application, and case studies. Research types were predominantly mixed or qualitative, and application environments were ranked as offline, blended, and online, in that order. Secondly, cross-domain analysis revealed significant variations in research trends based on research objectives, application environments, and academic fields. Finally, word cloud analysis highlighted keywords such as writing, university, teaching methods, general education, class, English, learner, problem-centered learning, flipped learning, and communication. Conclusions Firstly, it was observed that there is a growing interest and necessity for research in university gen-eral education, particularly in teaching and learning methods. Secondly, with the increasing trend in research based on digital learning environments and technology, it is important for researchers to have a deeper under-standing of these areas. Thirdly, the study indicated the need for extensive follow-up research in academic fields beyond the humanities. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of balanced and diverse research in terms of research objectives, types, and topics in the context of university general education.

대학 교양수업에서 디지털 리터러시 역량 향상을 위한 자료 팅커링 활동의 효과 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of tinkering activities as digital literacy practices in general education courses on the digital literacy competencies of university students. Methods To achieve the research objective, 197 students enrolled in a maker general education course at D University in Gyeongsangbuk-do were selected. Among them, 168 students were assigned to the experimental group, and 29 students were assigned to the control group. The experimental group engaged in tinkering activities online for 12 weeks while taking the maker general education course, after completing a pre-test for digital literacy. The control group only participated in the maker general education course and underwent a post-test for digital literacy. Results The post-test digital literacy scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (t=2.280, p=.012), and they were also significantly higher than the pre-test scores of the ex-perimental group (t=2.837, p=.003). Furthermore, an analysis of the differences in digital literacy scores based on students' major, grade, and gender revealed significant differences in gender in the pre-test results of the ex-perimental group (F=4.026, p=.047), as well as a significant interaction effect between major and gender (F=3.101, p=.048). In the post-test results of the experimental group, significant differences were found in digital literacy scores based on gender (F=5.278, p=.023). Conclusions Based on the analysis results, it can be concluded that the incorporation of tinkering activities in uni-versity maker general education courses can contribute to enhancing students' digital literacy levels. The im-provement effects were observed among students with various characteristics, particularly among male students in engineering and fine arts colleges. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of participating stu-dents when implementing tinkering activities in each course.

Teaching Exploration and Reformation of University General Education Curriculum Appreciation of Russian Film -Taking Shihezi University as an Example

The course "Appreciation of Russian Film " is one of the general education curriculums of Shihezi University. Taking Shihezi University as an example, this paper introduces the background of this course, its teaching content, and its essential role in general education. Via analyzing and summarizing questionnaire survey results, the interest orientation of students' Learning was obtained, and ideas for further improvement and optimization of the course construction and reformation were put forward.

Design Thinking as a Case-based Learning for College General Education Courses

Design thinking is vital for attaining sustainable development goals (SDG) or SDG in education. This article investigates the status of design thinking education in realizing SDG in education. The intentional requirement for using innovative design to enhance national competitiveness is discussed regarding the "Made in China 2025" policy document. It then investigates the current status of design thinking curriculum development in China, counting the adoption of Western models and the formation of project cooperation mechanisms, the combination of design thinking into general education courses, and the rise of online courses over the development of the Internet. Five international best practices of design thinking courses are offered, i.e., Stanford University, the University of Miami, the Royal College of Art, Vanderbilt University, and Tama Art University. These practices tell the different features of design thinking courses and emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, actual problem-solving, And the cultivation of a humanistic spirit and social responsibility. The article then highlights vital lessons and conclusions from design thinking education in general higher education courses. These include the importance of human-centered, social, and computational thinking, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing collaborative empathy, and the practical problem-solving skills and creativity that design thinking can undertake. To sum up, the design thinking course is an effective way to improve the design thinking level of college students and change the existing teaching methods of various majors, and it has significant benefits for both students and enterprises. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive picture of the importance of design thinking education in achieving educational sustainability, highlighting its potential for developing innovative and practical problem-solving skills in college students and its relevance to various disciplines and industries.

Exploring the Significance of Promoting General Physical Education and the Utilization of Digital Technology after COVID-19

This study explored the significance of promoting college general physical education in the era of COVID-19. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, college general physical education classes and various activities have faced numerous challenges and changes. It has become necessary to approach the intrinsic value and importance of college general physical education from a new perspective, considering the disrupted opportunities for students to engage in diverse interactions and experiences. This situation presents an opportunity to develop a new educational paradigm. To address this, previous studies were analyzed and synthesized, leading to the proposal of enhancing college physical education through the active utilization of digital technologies such as new teaching methods, remote learning tools, AR, AI, VR, and big data, which are familiar to students with positive digital experiences. Additionally, an emphasis was placed on the development of new college general physical education programs that apply specialized digital platforms, content, and devices.General physical education, which is based on bodily movement more than any other subject, is highly suitable for integration with various digital devices. Therefore, through various attempts and efforts, it is expected that positive synergies can be created, and that the utilization of such digital technologies can enhance student participation and learning outcomes, thereby elevating the value of physical education as a part of general education.

The importance of art implementation in college general education

Throughout the years, general education (GE) has failed to see the value in visual arts programs in its curriculum across colleges in universities in the US. Even while creative careers continue to expand, and studies have shown the significance of the visual arts, art courses are still questioned as to their value and importance within the GE program. Visual art courses offer many important skills for students, and play a valuable role on self-concept and identity understanding. Discussed studies have shown the important role that visual art has played on various understandings of student identity. It is imperative for educators across all fields to recognize the value that visual art adds to the GE curriculum across colleges and universities in the US in order to best serve our students.

The Present Situation and Optimization Path of College General Education in the New Era

An important part of the higher education system in the new era is the general education. With the deepening of undergraduate education reform, more and more colleges and universities have focused on general education. Our country has been practicing the professional education model for a long time, which has led to some problems, such as a deviation in the education concept, a slow integration in the education mode, and a narrow field of vision in the curriculum. The development of general education in colleges and universities in the new era should go beyond the traditional misunderstanding, recognize the importance of general education, make effective integration with professional education, make full use of its own unique ideological connotation and outstanding characteristics, and strengthen the effective linkage with professional education.

Diagnosis and Suggestion for General Education Evaluation Indicators of Basic Competency Assessment for Universities

Evaluation indicators of general education represent the value and identity of general education. University members can clearly understand general education through evaluation indicators. Evaluation indicators serve as standards for establishing and implementing educational policies. Universities support general education according to the evaluation indicators. From this point of view, this study conducted a questionnaire survey to diagnose problems with the general education evaluation indicators of the Basic Competency Assessment for Universities. A survey was conducted targeting 127 universities that joined the Korean Council for University General Education. The total number of respondents was 51. The summary of the survey results is as follows. First, 70% of respondents said that it was reasonable to evaluate general education as ‘operation and improvement of curriculum’. But about 50% of the respondents were negative about evaluating the general curriculum as ‘core competency’ as a diagnostic factor. Second, more than 70% of respondents said that the standard of the general education standard model of the Korea National Institute for General Education, which was established theoretically and academically, was not applied to the current evaluation indicators. So it is necessary to improve the inclusiveness of general education evaluation indicators. Third, about 50% of the respondents were negative about the relevance of the evaluation indicators as a driving force for improving the quality of general education. Fourth, 70% of the respondents thought that the basis for applying core competencies as evaluation indicators for general education was not sufficient. Therefore, they think that evaluation criteria should be designed according to the essential characteristics of general education. Finally, many respondents said that the essential components of the evaluation indicators should include the organization and operation of the general education curriculum, the operating system for improving general education, and the organization and manpower necessary for supporting general education. This study examined the validity of competency-based general education, focusing on general education experts. As a result, it provided clear evidence for developing and designing evaluation indicators for the development and improvement of practical general education in universities. In particular, the Ministry of Education should go through a public deliberation process to improve the acceptance of evaluation results. Therefore, we proposed that the concept of competency should be established first and then the validity of competency-based general education should be reviewed.

The Need for Developing Self-Defense Courses in University Physical Education and General Education Program

<p>本研究目的旨在探討大學院校開設防身自衛術選項課程的必要性，並透過文獻蒐集之方法加以研究探討後，希望藉由所得結果能提供作為，各校未來規劃體育與通識課程開課之參考。防身自衛術課程頗受學生的喜愛，防身術並可以提升學生身體的健康，又可以增強學生的心理素質，起到防止他人暴力侵襲、保護學生自身安全的目的，具有一定的健身價值和實用性，因此，在大學校院體育選項和通識教育相關課程，應該推廣開設防身自衛術選項教學課程。防身自衛術是一種具有攻防含義，能夠提高防身和自衛能力的技擊性動作，也是源自於柔道和柔術、擒拿術等多種技術動作之中。而隨著防身自衛術課程的發展，漸漸地進入了大學興趣體育選課項目之中，正在逐漸的被大學生所接受。大學生學習並掌握防身自衛術，可以提高自衛防身的保護能力，當碰到突發的意外險境時，就會有足夠的膽量和氣魄來保護自身的安全，以免遭到傷害，並還能夠給不良分子以沉重的打擊。但由於學生防身術運動課程的推廣特點，應根據學生生理、心理特徵，探索合適的教學模式和教學方法，才能在校園內永續的發展。</p> <p> </p><p>The purpose of this study is to investigate the need for developing self-defense courses in universities through literature review. It is hoped that the results can be used as a reference for future development of physical education or general education program. Self-defense courses are popular among students because it can improve students’ physical health, enhance students’ psychological quality, prevent violent attacks by others, and protect students’ own safety, and has fitness value and practicality. Therefore, the development of self-defense courses should be promoted in the physical education and general education at university campuses. Self-defense is a technical action with the meaning of attack and defense, which can improve the ability of self-defense and self-defense. It is derived from judo and jiu-jitsu, grappling and other technical actions. With the development of self-defense courses, it is an elective physical education course and is gradually being welcome by college students. University students who learn and master self-defense can improve their self-defense protection ability, when encountering unexpected danger. Students will have enough courage and courage to protect their own safety, so as not to be hurt, and can also give bad people a heavy blow. However, due to the characteristics of the self-defense courses, appropriate teaching models and methods should be explored according to the physiological and psychological characteristics of students in order to develop the self-defense courses in a sustainable manner on campus.</p> <p> </p>

Analysis of College Student's Satisfaction and Needs for Competency-based Curriculum of General Education －Focusing on the Revised IPA, Borich Priority Formula and Thematic Analysis

As society changes in its demands of human resources with various competencies, the effort for improving the competency of college students is provided by centering the curriculum on a college general education. The purpose of this study is to confirm the satisfaction and needs of college students with a competency-based general education curriculum, and to list the implications of the organization and operation of such a curriculum.This study was conducted for students at K University using an online survey over the course of four weeks, involving the responses of 1,160 students. The results of this study are as follows: first, as a result of analyzing the satisfaction among students of the general education curriculum with the revised IPA analysis, both the satisfaction and the relative importance of the course composition in both stage and level were high. Second, as a result of analyzing the educational needs of general education courses, the demand for convergent, communication, utilizing information technology, career exploration, and career development domains were high. Also, we confirmed through open questions with thematic analysis that the demand for sports, engineering, foreign language, psychology, financial and economy-related subjects was high. Third, as a result of analyzing the educational needs of a competency-based general education curriculum, the demand for creative execution competency, open-minded inquiry, and citizenship was high.In conclusion, this study presented significant implications on what the faculty, the department and the college itself should consider in designing and operating a competency-based general education curriculum―one that provides curriculum-related education and one that outlines a mid to long-term road map.