Analysis of Middle School Students' Experiences in School-Community Curriculum

Focus group interviews were conducted with four middle school students who had participated in the school-community curriculum as part of an innovative school project. The results indicated that middle school students initially felt unfamiliar with the school-community curriculum. However, their motivation to participate increased as their opinions were incorporated into the curriculum development. The integration of learning about the community, utilizing community resources, and contributing to the community was intertwined with both their academic and personal lives. This process facilitated a deeper understanding of themselves and enhanced their self-directedness. Moreover, through this curriculum, the students developed a stronger desire to promote and contribute to their community.