Enhancing Activeness and Educational Competitiveness by Extended Implementation of Discussion-based Lectures

This study aims to explore educational changes through discussion-based classes by highlighting the value and effectiveness of discussions while emphasizing the need to enhance self-directed learning abilities. Discussions are beneficial for forming subjectivity, and expanding and applying them can unlock students’ potential in many areas. Given the longstanding patterns of Korean education, it is necessary to actively consider a methodological shift towards self-directed, creative, and self-enlightening (sustainable) learning through discussion-based classes. Discussion-based learning improves critical thinking, fosters creativity and proactivity through self-directed learning, and ensures learning sustainability. Therefore, this study will analyze the advantages of discussion-based learning both domestically and internationally, explore its application in university teaching systems, and ultimately examine how a teaching method based on self-directed learning and discussion can enhance educational competitiveness. As a research method, this study will adopt discussion-based teaching methods for liberal arts courses, analyze class operations and learning outcomes, and examine how the activeness, creativity, and cooperativeness of discussion classes relate to the enhancement of learning abilities and educational competitiveness. Through this analysis, the study will demonstrate the expansion of discussion classes and show the potential of discussion-based learning in the coming AI era. The transition to discussion-based classes is expected to create a cycle of activeness, creativity, and sustainability through the process of preparation, presentation, and discussion, ensuring learning continuity and driving fundamental changes and innovations in the education system. Considering that the ultimate purpose of education is “not the transmission of knowledge, but to enable learners to teach themselves and develop their abilities to the fullest,” this shift in learning style is significant. It is hoped that, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Korean education will establish a turning point for future changes through a methodological transition to self-directed, creative, and self-enlightening (sustainable) learning via discussions, thereby increasing the sustainability of discussion-based classes.