Improving School Field Trips through Analysis of Private Experiential Activity Demand among Elementary School Parents

This study examines the patterns and determinants of private experiential learning among elementary school parents in Korea. Based on data from 3,218 participants in the Seoul Education Longitudinal Study (Phase II), latent class analysis and multinomial logistic regression identified three parent types—indifferent, typical, and enthusiastic. The results revealed that: (1) the indifferent group was the largest, with limited participation across activities; (2) group differences were shaped by parental values emphasizing a balanced life for their children; and (3) demand was influenced more by household beliefs and economic conditions than by satisfaction with school-based career education. Policy suggestions include: (1) expanding school-led field trips; (2) reflecting parental values and needs in program design; and (3) enhancing access to foreign language experiential programs through public support. These findings offer practical implications for improving public school field trip systems in line with family-driven educational demands.