International Science Olympiad, aims, evaluation, direction of operation
Abstract
This study investigated the features of operations and evaluation of the International Science
Olympiads based on case analysis. For this, we analyzed the cases of the International Physics Olympiad,
International Chemistry Olympiad, International Biological Olympiad, and International Earth Science
Olympiad from three perspectives: their aims, the directions of operation and evaluation. As a result, firstly,
the main aims of the International Science Olympiads can be summarized as follows: discovering the
talented and gifted students in science areas, fostering students¡¯ development and interests, expanding the
networking between the students and experts in each field, and sharing educational approaches of the
participant countries. In terms of the evaluation direction, the competitions have tried to reflect the nature
of each discipline, especially the process of scientific practice and to evaluate the students¡¯ understanding
and creativity, rather than their memorizing and technical skills. Lastly, as for the direction of operations,
each competition built its fair system, cared for students¡¯ physical and psychological stability, and provided
opportunities for students to participate as members of the academic community beyond personal growth.
Based on these results, educational implications were discussed for the Olympiad competitions and gifted
education in Korea.
