Why Korean Education System Struggles Compared to US: An In-depth Look

 

source: mblogthumb

 

 

 Following 6 features demonstrate differences between Korea and US education system. 

 

1. Emphasis on Education: Education is highly valued in Korean culture, and there is a strong emphasis on academic achievement from an early age. Students are expected to study hard and prioritize their education above other activities.
   
   
2. Standardized Testing: The Korean education system relies heavily on standardized testing to evaluate student performance. This includes high-stakes exams like the College Scholastic Ability Test (which is called as Su-neung in Korea), which determines university admissions and career prospects. Counting from the elementary school year, Korean students are pushed into severe competition for 12 years in preparation of Su-neung.
   
   
3. Longer School Days and Years: Korean students typically have longer school days and school years than US students. They may attend school for up to 12 hours a day, and the school year often lasts from March to February. To be specific, Korean students almost reside in school from 7am to 10pm in a name of evening self-study. (Ya-Ja)
   
   
4. Focus on Memorization: Korean education emphasizes rote memorization of facts and formulas, rather than critical thinking or creative problem-solving. Thus, the exams are inclined to measure how much a student can take efforts to memorize whole text.
   
   
5. Tutoring Culture: Korean students often attend after-school tutoring programs known as "hagwons" to supplement their education and prepare for exams. These programs can be expensive and create additional pressure for students. Moreover, since this kind of educational system is solidified in Korea, it brings out gap in grades depending on family backgrounds or financial resources.
   
   
6. Homogeneous Society: Korea is a more homogeneous society than the US, which can influence the education system. There is less emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism in Korean education, and students are often expected to conform to strict social norms.

 

In contrast, the US education system places more emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and individuality. There is a focus on developing well-rounded individuals who can think for themselves, and there is more flexibility in terms of elective courses and extracurricular activities. The US education system also places less emphasis on standardized testing and offers a wider range of post-secondary options, including vocational schools and community colleges.

 

 

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What I recognized as some of the most significant issues with the Korean education system include next 5.

 

 

1. High-stress levels: The Korean education system is known for its intense focus on academic performance, which has led to high levels of stress among students. Many students spend long hours studying, attending after-school academies (known as "hagwons"), and preparing for standardized tests.
   
   
2. Emphasis on rote memorization: The Korean education system places a significant emphasis on memorization and testing and tends to provide lecture type classes. Thus, students are adapted to listening to teacher in a quite mood rather than questioning and posing an argument during the class
   
   
3. Inequality: The Korean education system is highly competitive, and success often depends on factors such as family background and financial resources. Students from low-income families or those who attend poorly performing schools may face significant barriers to academic success.
   
   
4. Lack of flexibility: The Korean education system is very structured, with little room for customization or individualization. This can lead to a "one-size-fits-all" approach that does not meet the needs of all students.
   
   
5. Pressure to attend top universities: Korean students face intense pressure to attend prestigious universities, which are seen as a pathway to success. However, this emphasis on prestige can lead to a narrow focus on a limited number of institutions and a disregard for alternative pathways to success, which is happening among Korean younger generations. They are having troubles of finding their career, and even if they achieve to get their desired jobs, they feel burn-out it because of futility they sense.

 

Overall, while the Korean education system has many strengths, it also faces significant challenges that need to be addressed to better serve the needs of all students.