Abstract
The competence of hazard prediction and risk avoidance has become one of the key concepts in school safety education in recent years. The purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation method of the competence of hazard prediction and risk avoidance for elementary school children.
This study consisted of 3 surveys. In the survey 1, self-report questionnaires were distributed to 4th, 5th and 6th grade children (n=396) in three elementary schools. In the questionnaires, 8 colored illustrations that showed dangerous situations for children were utilized to evaluate their competence of hazard prediction and risk avoidance. After children saw these illustrations, they were asked to describe the hazards they predicted and how to avoid the risks. Their answers were scored by researchers later. The questionnaires also contained the questions concerning the safety awareness and behaviors. The correlations between the scores of the competence items and other questions were calculated to prove the criterion-related validity of the competence items.
In the survey 2, a safety education program was carried out for 4th grade elementary school children (n=24). Pre- and post-tests contained the competence items were conducted to prove the content validity of the items. In the survey 3, re-test reliability was confirmed among 5th grade children (n=64).
The results thus obtained proved the reliability and validity of the evaluation method of the competence of hazard prediction and risk avoidance. In addition, practical applications and problems of this method were discussed.
