Research trends of integrative technology education in South Korea: a literature review of journal papers

The purpose of this study is to identify trends of integrative approach in South Korean technology education. A literature review was completed from 131 selected research journal papers published in South Korean academic databases from 2010 to 2018. The review identified four trends. First, research on technology education within STEAM education has steadily increased since 2010, with student-targeted studies comprising the largest share. Second, program development and implementation type was the most frequent regarding the research types. Third, the analysis of school subjects integrated with technology for integrative approach in South Korean technology education showed the most links to science. Fourth, invention was the most common focus in analysis of the content area of technology education, while creation constituted the most common core concept of the new Korean national curriculum. The results of this study shed light on the place of technology education within STEAM education in South Korea and has implications for research and practice for integrative STEAM education in future Korean technology education.