Perceptions of Elementary School Teachers on Small Schools in Gangwon-do

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate teachers' perceptions of small schools by examining the advantages and disadvantages of small schools among elementary school teachers and by scrutinising the difficulties they experienced while working in small schools in Gangwon-do, and to explore how to activate small schools. Methods To this end, a written interview survey consisting of open-ended questions was conducted with 10 elementary school teachers who are currently working or have previously worked in small schools in Gangwon-do. In addition, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 3 out of 10 participants. The collected research data was analysed based on keywords, and the responses were categorised according to the research questions. Results Participants cited a collaborative school atmosphere, autonomy in classroom management, and the possibility of personalised learning for students as reasons for their satisfaction with working in a small school, while excessive workload, the burden of frequent field trips and participation in external events, and limited interpersonal relationships at school were cited as reasons for their dissatisfaction. Moreover, the difficulties experienced while working in a small school were the school atmosphere that changed depending on the members, the difficulty in creating a learning atmosphere among students, and the difficulty in guiding student life at school. In addition, the teachers who participated in this study suggested devising educational programs that can make use of the characteristics of small schools, preparing measures to support the administrative work of small school teachers, and expanding opportunities for regular exchanges with nearby schools as ways to activate small schools. Conclusions It is hoped that the results of the study will be able to help elementary school teachers in Gangwon-do prepare policies related to the system and welfare that can satisfy them with their life in small schools, and to find efficient ways to operate the curriculum that can continue the distinctive educational activities of small schools in Gangwon-do.