A Study on Competency Development of Lifelong Education Instructors

A Study on Competency Development of Lifelong Education Instructors

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the core competencies, the developmental stages of compe-tency, and the learning patterns of lifelong education instructors at local culture centers in department stores that function as a representative lifelong education institution attached to a company. Method: This study performed a qualitative case study. This included an in-depth interview with 8 people who have 25-35 years of experience as lifelong education instructors at culture centers in department stores. For the data analysis, thematic analysis and contents analysis methods were used. For the analysis framework of this study, Gardner's I/D/F system approach(individual/domain/field system approach: I/D/F) model, which was sug-gested in the theoretical background, was used. Results: The study derived three competency factors, three stages of competency development, and three learning types of lifelong education instructors at culture centers in department stores. Conclusion: First, there were three components of competency development of lifelong education instructors at culture centers in department stores: (1)knowledge and skills, (2)emotion regulation, and (3)performance and reflection. Second, the competency development stages of lifelong education instructors at culture centers in department stores were divided into three stages: (1)novice instructors → (2)professional instructors → (3)Out-standing instructors. Third, the learning types that promote the competency development of lifelong education instructors in culture centers in department stores were as follows: (1)learning by modeling, (2)learning by trial and error, and (3)anticipatory·creative learning.