자율전공학부 안착을 위한 교양교육연구소의 역할과 방향성 탐색

초록

This study explores the roles and developmental directions of liberal education research institutes within the emerging academic landscape marked by the expansion of the College of Liberal Studies, using qualitative analysis based on in-depth interviews with institute directors. The findings indicate that liberal education research institutes hold significant potential as key platforms supporting students in the College of Liberal Studies in academic exploration, career design, strengthening foundational disciplines, and fostering integrative learning. However, structural limitations such as insufficient dedicated staff, unstable financial resources, restricted administrative authority, and organizational separation have hindered these functions from being fully realized. Based on these findings, this study suggests several measures: securing dedicated personnel and institutional authority, institutionalizing feedback systems, developing and operating customized extracurricular and curricular-extracurricular programs, strengthening external collaborations with local communities and industries, and expanding value-oriented education that emphasizes human dignity alongside classical and integrative liberal education. Compared with prior studies that primarily emphasized the ideal visions of liberal education research institutes, this study makes a distinctive contribution by empirically identifying the structural constraints of the field and highlighting the necessity of institutional linkages. Ultimately, the results suggest that in the era of AI-driven digital transformation, liberal education research institutes can serve as a practical foundation for ensuring the stable establishment of the College of Liberal Studies and enhancing integrative academic comThis study aims to explore the roles and development directions of university liberal education research institutes in the changing academic environment characterized by the expansion of Division of Undeclared Majors (DUM). To this end, in-depth written interviews were conducted with directors of liberal education research institutes nationwide, and the collected data were analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicate that liberal education research institutes have the potential to serve as core institutional platformsthat support students in the Division of Undeclared Majors through career exploration, major selection, strengthening of basic academic foundations, and promotion of integrative learning. However, structural limitations such as insufficient personnel and budgets, restricted administrative authority, and organizational separation have hindered these functions from being fully realized. Based on these findings, it is suggested that universities must prioritize the institutionalization of governance participation, securing full-time personnel, establishing feedback and evaluation systems, and developing regionally connected and small-scale programsto ensure the stable operation of liberal education research institutes. Furthermore, these institutes need to go beyond presenting ideal visions and develop pragmatic and actionable strategiesfor institutional development. In the era of AI and digital transformation, liberal education research institutes are expected to function as practical hubsthat enhance integrative thinking and foundational academic competencies, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of liberal education and the stable establishment of the Division of Undeclared Majors.

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