한국윤리교육학회

This study is to identify research trends in character education in Korean schools because there is growing recognition that significant changes have taken place in character education in South Korea recently. To this end, this study conducted topic modeling with a total of 639 KCI-registered theses published from 2011 to May 2023, dividing them according to the time period of implementation of the Character Education Policies. Through topic modeling, representative research topics and keywords were derived. In addition, based on Shields' comprehensive definition of character, this study analyzed the characteristics of each implementation period, and identified the trend of change. As a result, we found that the 1st period (2011-2014) focused on 'moral character' emphasizing the minimum level of humanity. The 2nd period (2015-2019) focused on 'performance character' taking account of personal happiness. The 3rd period (2020-May 2023) shows that the concept of character has been gradually expanding to include 'civic character' and 'intellectual character'. Furthermore, we confirm that studies suggesting more systematic and effective character education based on the Character Education Promotion Act, have been continuously being published. Such changes can be interpreted as character education being transformed to prepare for the future society and keep up with rapid social changes. In addition, research to explore the appropriate concepts of character in an era of change, is continuing. Therefore, we propose, firstly, the necessity of redefining the concept and capacity of character explained by the Character Education Promotion Act, and secondly, the improvement of interdisciplinary and convergence research capabilities of character education researchers.