Developing key content for an island curriculum in South Korea

This study aimed to develop an island curriculum and examine the design principles and main contents of the curriculum. During the process of developing the island curriculum, many stakeholders, such as professors, curriculum experts, and field stakeholders, participated in expert consultations, workshops, and discussions. The island curriculum set ‘connect,’ ‘communicate,’ and ‘engage’ as the design principles and selected ‘island sensitivity competence,’ ‘communication and conflict resolution competence,’ ‘creative problem-solving competence,’ and ‘cooperation and community competence’ as the key competencies. The development of the island curriculum was guided by aiming for a sustainable island, emphasizing the island’s response to climate crisis, and considering the educational meaning of place in island contexts. The main contents of the island curriculum consist of the characteristics, goals, key competencies, and contents. The contents of the island curriculum are organized into five strands: Understanding Island Ecology’,’ Island Life’, ‘Island Sustainability’, ‘Island Leadership’, and ‘Island Expert Practice’. The content structure indicates the subjects to be studied in each strand, the time allotted to each subject, and the core content elements. Further piloting of the curriculum and the development of actual textbooks will help revitalize island education and create island experts.