"Suggested new model of harmonizing character building programs and academic ability"

A liberal arts high school located in Nonsan City, a mid to small size city with both urban and agricultural features. Nonsan Daegeon High School has developed an innovative model for public education through its harmonized educational services that focus on both `humanity' and 'ability'.

The school aims to educate each student as a whole individual. Moving beyond the standardized education, the school has developed and is operating an innovative humanity-based educational program called PESS (Physical, Emotional, Spiritual. Study & Service). Through this program, students can go through various learning experiences such as identity establishment, human relations, and nature-based activities. Furthermore, student activities have been expanded at the school. There are now around 30 clubs and organizations that students can join to develop individual specialties and participate in regional service activities. The students' ability co motivate themselves to learn is fully respected in this school, and students are encouraged to set their own study plans while teachers strive to help the students improve themselves through teaching that is customized to the individual student.

At Nonsan Daegeon High School, student-led discussions often take place as a means of allowing the students to develop their own thoughts and of stimulating their creativity. English and mathematics classes are conducted based on the student' ability levels so that no one is left behind in the lessons. Innovative attempt's are also frequently made in other subjects, such as social and natural science, to bring more fun and efficiency to the learning process.

Afterschool activities are provided in the form of customized student-focused programs, making it unnecessary for students to seek private tutoring at outside institutions.

The innovative efforts made at Nonsan Daegeon High School shows how schools can change to reflect the changes of the times. Students are no longer simple objects of education; this school shows us that students should be active participants in the learning process. Nonsan Daegeon High School has shown Korea an example of what a high school should be, demonstrating that a school can act as a center of care and respect, instead of only performing the traditional roles of an ordinary high school. Above all, the fact that this innovation Was accomplished, not as a result of an order given by upper-level educational officials, but through the voluntary efforts of those directly involved with the school is particularly significant, and is why the achievements are valued so highly.