Perceptions of Elementary School Teachers on the Use of Analogy Generation in Scientifically-gifted Education

과학영재교육에서 비유 만들기 활동의 활용에 대한 초등학교 교사들의 인식

In this study, we investigated the perceptions of elementary school teachers on the use of analogy generation in scientifically-gifted education. The relationships among the perceptions and the self-perception as teacher for scientifically-gifted students were also investigated. A survey was administered to 119 elementary school teachers, and in-depth interviews with some teachers were conducted. The results revealed that the teachers had a relatively good understanding of the advantages/disadvantages of analogy generation in cognitive, affective, and learning environmental aspects. Their perceptions on the usability of analogy generation and their willingness to practice of it in scientifically-gifted education was also positive. They highly perceived on the various factors related to effective uses of it in scientifically-gifted education. Their self-perception as teacher for scientifically-gifted students was comparatively low, and significantly related with the perceptions on the advantages of it, the usability, the practical methods to use, and the various factors related to effective uses in scientifically-gifted education. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.