A Study on the Concept of "Awareness" in Life Environment Studies : The Examination of the Course of Study and Cumulative Guidance Record

Abstract

"Awareness" is one of the key words of Life Environment Studies Education. But little is known about the concept of "Awareness" in this subject because it is a hard word to define. The purpose of this paper is to show the concept of "Awareness" by examining the Course of Study and the Cumulative Guidance Record of Life Environment Studies. I found some gaps between the descriptions in the Course of Study and the Cumulative Guidance Record. It should be noted that "Awareness" in Life Environment Studies means to notice facts, relations, questions, emotions, and feelings through purposeful learning activities. Teachers have to help children develop awareness through activities involving observation, making, thinking, expression, discussion and so on. It is especially important to help children develop strong determination, a critical approach, and a sense of purposes toward the activities. The concept of "Awareness" of Life Environment Studies showed here is tentative. Therefore this concept will be examined with reference to situations in many actual lessons.