Calls grow for change in Korean education system

[Image source: Gettyimagesbank]

There are growing doubts about South Korea’s education system, as many of those involved, such as students, parents, and teachers, express discontent.

Concerns rise as schools, where learning and teaching have virtually disappeared, as losing their reason for being. High school students, in particular, have their clocks set to late-night cramming, with some even saying that school time exists to save energy for students.

Higher-performing students tend to avoid boring classes, while lower-performing students are frustrated by difficult classes.

“When it comes to math, only basic concepts are being taught because there’s a big level gap between students, and they are solving cram school workbooks during class,” said a high school student in Seoul.

Distrust in public education is growing among the parents and they rely on private education that comes with higher fees.

Teachers are losing their place in education and teaching rights have become a major issue in education. Teachers have made drastic choices to take their lives due to conflicts between students and parents.

A law has been enacted to exclude teachers’ instructions at schools from the charge of child abuse. Measures to place lawyers in schools have been unveiled.

Companies, in the meantime, are also frustrated with the local education system, which is rapidly losing its ability to train talent. They say they need field-oriented, hands-on talents, but university education is out of touch with reality.

“For example, having a high GPA is merely an indicator of diligent university life and it is not an element to evaluate the talent that companies want,” said a human resources manager at a large information technology (IT) company.

“It is important to have a variety of social experiences and practical project experiences. That’s why new hires are often applicants with prior experience,” the manager said.