Development of a Practical Arts Education Program Utilizing School-designed Autonomous Hours in the 2022 Revised Curriculum - Learning in the Garden

This study aims to develop a practical garden education program, <Learning in the Garden>, for use during School-designed Autonomous Hours activities in elementary schools, aligned with the 2022 revised curriculum. For program design, the study analyzed the meaning and educational value of garden education and reviewed various domestic and foreign garden education programs. The Learning in the Garden program consists of 6 topics, namely tools, seeds, fruits, vegetables, gardens and the environment, and horticultural therapy. Each topic includes systematic content elements, including knowledge, understanding, process and function, and values and attitudes. The preparation stage sets its necessity and direction, followed by a detailed design of learning goals and content systems, achievement standards, teaching and learning methods, and evaluation methods in the development stage. The program’s teaching and learning method focused on active student participation through experience-oriented learning, cooperative learning, and project-based learning. The evaluation consisted of formative, general, self, peer, and portfolio evaluation, focusing on supporting students’ continuous learning and growth. The <Learning in the Garden> program will allow students to connect with nature and contribute to cultivating ecological sensitivity and a sense of community.