메타포를 통해 본 고경력 보육교사의 정체성 분석

Abstract

This study aims to conceptualize an analysis of the experienced childcare teacher's identity through an inductive approach, which draws a conceptual system, in the process of collecting and analyzing metaphors created by teachers themselves. The ultimate purpose of this study is to expand the understanding of their lives and obtain implications for policies related to childcare teachers.

The research questions are as follows: What is the meaning of the identity of highly experienced childcare teachers explored through metaphors?

For the study, childcare teachers with more than seven years of experience who worked or had worked at daycare centers located in Busan were recruited, and metaphors with an open questionnaire were used to investigate the identity of the childcare teachers. The data was analyzed by referring to the metaphor analysis methodology.

The results of the study are as follows: First, when it comes to living as an experienced teacher, they had the positionality as a leader, guide, volunteer, guardian and co-learner and expressed it with metaphors for the core feelings of a sense of responsibility and obligation. Second, as for living as a marginal person, they had the positionality as a mediator, problem solver and middle manager and expressed it with metaphors for the core feelings of a sense of responsibility and obligation and fear. Third, in terms of living as a minority, they had the positionality as the oppressed, a non-subject and the weak and expressed it with metaphors for the core feelings of anger, sadness, fear and anxiety.

Analyzing the identity of highly experienced childcare teachers explored based on metaphors through positionality and core feelings, this study implies that it is necessary to develop practical programs provided by the government to support highly experienced childcare teachers in continuously developing themselves and improving professionalism and carrying out proper tasks and playing the right role. The study also implies that it is required to have an institutional tool to deal with their difficulties and complaints.