The system of higher education in South Korea is practically cultivated and is a fundamental aspect of life. Each of the Koreans believes that a good and high-quality education is a personal path to a bright future.
It implies a quota mechanism. That is, there are quotas for admission of applicants in the capital - universities are forbidden to conduct their own entrance exams, instead, a single graduation is taken.
Preschool education
It is proposed to begin this education from the age of three. Several different systems operate in different regions of the country, including the processes of allocating places that can be conducted through a lottery (especially in large densely populated cities) or random testing.
Preschool education is not compulsory, but unofficially is considered to be. Indeed, at this age, children learn about the world. Studied at the age of 3 to 6 years. Payment is made, although there is government support for parents from low-income families.
Below are the types of school education in South Korea.
Elementary School (Chodeung Haggyo)
From 5-6 years old (depending on the place and abilities of the child), you must definitely attend primary school. This phase of training is provided free of charge. Each child registered with the authorities is automatically assigned to the school. The office distributes letters indicating the place of study, the letter will come even if the child is studying at home or in a private school. In this case, parents will have to contact the authorities to explain the situation if they are not going to take the proposed place.
How to study in elementary school?
The elementary school lasts 6 grades, and the curriculum is extensive, encompassing basic skills, physical education and languages. Starting from the third grade, English is taught to all students 1-2 hours a week.
Education usually begins in the morning and ends in the late evening. Additional services are charged, although low-income families, provided that both parents work, are entitled to preferential education, and sometimes free.
After elementary, children go to high school known as Jung Haggyo.
High School (Jung Haggyo)
It starts when the students are about 12 years old, and lasts three years. A high school in South Korea is free and covers both compulsory and optional subjects.
The curriculum at this stage remains broad and includes mathematics, Korean and English, social sciences, art and physical education. There are also classes of “moral education”.
At this stage, schooling begins to intensify, increasing pressure on children so that they receive good grades. In areas where enrollment in high school is carried out on an academic basis, it is necessary to ensure that they can enroll in one of the most prestigious schools. Students, depending on their abilities, are divided into flows in many subjects, and competition can be fierce.
For entrance exams to a secondary school, the entire school career is taken into account. This somewhat relieves the burden of final exams, but still requires that children receive consistently high grades. It is not surprising that at this stage, many students begin additional training outside the classroom.
School (Godeung Haggyo)
There are several different options for secondary education. For example, from 15 to 18 years old students can go to a school specializing in a foreign language, art or music, although they will face fierce competition and will have to pass exams for admission. Otherwise, there are also general education schools in which admission is carried out in accordance with your home address.
At this stage, education should be paid by parents, although there are some benefits for low-income families. The cost of training includes school meals. This education system in South Korea is not considered mandatory, although the level of entry there is high.
If students want to go to university, they must pass the College Academic Ability Exam (CSAT), which is quite difficult. To get good grades at this stage, you usually need to go through additional training or go to a "children's school".
Education monitoring
The system of ensuring the quality of education in South Korea includes monitoring the results of students and the work of teachers. As well as verification of the heads of educational institutions and administration. The activities of local authorities, heads of the department of education, research institutes, as well as policies in the field are monitored and evaluated.
Tracking the level of knowledge and quality of student learning includes: assessment at the school level (by the teacher), at the regional, national and international levels.
Quality control
An educational institution can independently conduct monitoring. The quality control of the education system in South Korea includes the concept of educational assessment. In order for the examination to take place at the highest level, teachers are sent to continuing education courses to assess education.
A specially developed system of assessment and motivation for teachers helps to improve the quality of education and the level of teaching staff. Evaluation criteria include a set of internal qualities, such as attitude to work, attending continuing education courses, participation in pedagogical meetings and research, etc.
The education system in South Korea involves two types of general test tests for students. The first test is for third grade students in determining the level of mastery of basic knowledge (DTBS). The minimum level of basic knowledge is confirmed, such as reading, writing, arithmetic.
Not only students' knowledge is evaluated, but also the work of the school, as well as local government. The purpose of this study is to continuously improve the quality of education.
Based on all this data, programs are developed for those who have not reached the minimum level of knowledge in basic subjects.
The second test is the national assessment of achievements in the educational system (NAEA) at the 6th, 9th and 10th year of study. The Specialized Institute for Curriculum and Assessment (KICE) is engaged in research, curriculum development, and the study and monitoring of school achievements.
In addition to assessing knowledge, as well as in the first test, a study of the teaching staff is conducted. Questionnaires are arranged for teachers and the administration of educational institutions to study the causes of a particular test result.
Interesting facts about the education system in South Korea
There are several interesting facts about the life of students and education in general:
- A good education for Koreans is a position in society. Depending on the university, social relations are formed. Relations are tightly regulated. Going from one group to another is not possible.
- When creating a family, young people are guided by the level of education.
- Since 1994, the "State Institute of Special Education" has been operating, which conducts research and also raises public awareness regarding the needs of people with disabilities. In South Korea, the inclusive education system is developing simultaneously in several areas responsible for different groups of children in need of special conditions. Their main function is to involve children with disabilities and having certain learning difficulties in the educational process.
- A large number of young people from other countries are attracted under the program "Education in Korea". Well-equipped campuses are built in the country.
- For families with low income, a system of state loans is provided. But provided that the student meets the requirements of the institute.
Summing up, it can be noted that the education system in South Korea consists of a comprehensive assessment: at each stage of the learning process, everything is thoroughly checked. The slightest deviation from the indicators is revealed and corrected by additional methods.