Summary: | 碩士 === 東海大學 === 教育研究所 === 102 === A study on high school dropouts returning to school through a folk art club as an intermediary institution
Abstract
High school dropouts are serious problems that attract much attention. Getting dropouts back to school requires concerted efforts from intermediary education authorities, local governments and high schools. Using Qualitative Research Methodology, this research paper looks at four members of a certain folk art club, who, after dropping out of high school, have gone back to school. The four people were selected through Purposive Sampling. All information and data were collected from semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study are as follows:
A. Reasons for returning to school:
1. Personal factors: acquiring positive values; rebuilding self-confidence and regaining self-esteem; consistent and helpful counselling;
2. Family factors: persuasion from significant other; providing a homey environment; peer pressure; insulation from shady characters who may be a bad influence;
3. School factors: developing diverse curriculum materials; providing the opportunities for exploring curriculum; offering a friendly and accommodating learning atmosphere;
4. Societal factors: leaning how to conduct oneself in a real world; making oneself more competitive; getting learning opportunities; establishing mutual trust; developing the ability for improving the economy; adapting to regular lifestyle through living with other club members as a group;
B. How the folk art club has helped the students return to school:
1. Going back to school was one condition required for the members to stay in the club.
2. Offering the members scholarships and career planning.
3. Through living as a group, the club is able to edify the behavior of its members.
C. The back to schoolers’ learning process in the club:
1. Through hands-on learning, the students acquire the abilities.
2. Grants and scholarships have improved their immediate economic situations, allowing them to better plan for the future.
3. Living with others club members as a group has provided them with a regular lifestyle.
This study presents recommendations for education authorities, school administration, teachers and future researchers according to the findings.
Keywords: dropouts, intermediary education, folk art club
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