An Understanding of Secondary Science Teachers' Performance on STEAM Lessons in the Perspective of the CHAT

Received 23 November 2015Received in revised form 16 December 2015Accepted 23 December 2015In this case study, we analyzed the STEAM lessons conducted by secondary science teachers in the perspective of the CHAT. Two science teachers at high schools in Seoul participated in this study. All of the teaching-learning materials were collected before lessons, and their lessons were observed and videotaped. We also observed the atmospheres in both school offices and classrooms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after their lessons. All the data collected were categorized according to the elements of the activity system and analyzed by using the constant comparative method. The analyses of the results revealed that both teachers did not consider the student-centered self-directed activities in their STEAM lessons, but that they differed in the subject element such as teacher’s professionalism on STEAM. Various elements of the activity system such as environmental characteristics of the school and policies about the STEAM influenced the performance of their STEAM lessons. Contradictions in the elements of the activity system brought about various changes. Successful experiences of the STEAM lessons by complex effects of the elements positively influenced their performances on their STEAM lessons. Based on these results, we have made some suggestions for the establishment of the STEAM in secondary schools.