I remember my time in high school fondly. I can’t imagine my students will look back at high school with anything less than rage and fiery hatred.
The Korean SAT was last Thursday, and from what I can tell it’s complete madness. The day after the exam I held a debate about Korean testing methods with my advanced after school class, and they all are deathly afraid of this test (rightly so!). The test covers 7 subjects, 4 of which the students have a bit of autonomy in choosing. My SAT covered two: math and a verbal section. I only teach the 1st year students, but they are already studying for this test two years out.
The test can only be taken once for universities, and there is only ONE day a year that it is administered. There are no make ups whatsoever. If you check the article I linked above, you can see the photo of a student suspected of having swine flu taking the test all by his lonesome in an isolation room. Hell, they even had students taking the exam IN THE HOSPITAL. WTF mate? I have to give props to the Korean education system in most aspects, but this is absurd.
When I held the debate the next day my students were all overwhelmingly against the SAT as it stands. They study until 10pm most weekdays in order to do well on this exam. I took social dance 5 times in high school. They have school twice a month on Saturdays. I played computer games and ate waffles. Their college admission is a matter of family honor. My parents just would have murdered me if I didn’t go. Ok, maybe that last one is pretty similar, but parental intervention certainly isn’t as ubiquitous in the US. They had police posted at every testing site to prevent parents from causing disturbances, and doctors on hand for swine flu problems and nervous breakdowns.
If you’re reading this from the US, be thankful you don’t have it like these kids!
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I had this friend in high school (I live in the United States), who is Japanese, and her life was similiar to your students. She would just have a nervous breakdown, everytime that she had to take a test, because her parents would put all kinds of pressure on her. Eventually, she rebelled against her parents and just ran away from home.
Hi Even,
First time on your site (I have a new travel blog and was checking you out – great content, my compliments)and I had to laugh at the high school hurdles for this test – even if it’s not funny. In the high school I went to, 124 of 125 graduating entered a four year college – I kid you not. The competition was murderous, but fun, too.
This article is a delightful account of social needs that are often lacking in many education institutions. Without the warmth and connection that the school environment provides, we loose something important in friendships and connections throughout life. Unfortunately, not all experience the positive aspects of formal schooling and bullying remains the single issue that must be stopped in order for individuals to succeed and meet the demands of a healthy and mature adult.
This type of external pressure and work ethic is widespread in many Asian country’s.
Hey Evan, I live in New Zealand and Asian exchange students(hope this doesn’t sound too stereotypical} are known for being relentlessly studious. I have a few friends in this situation and they speak of the high expectations their families have for them. It seems like way to much pressure to put on kids in my opinion, but maybe i don’t understand where they’re coming from.
I remember the first time I took my College SATs. It was a very nerve-wrecking experience.
Wow! I have heard that several Asian Countries have a very high pressured, competitive educational system, but this is way over the top!
Alex
Hi Evan,
Stumbled upon your blog when I goggled “Dae Dong Taxation High School.”
I am a teacher in Coquitlam, B.C, Canada. Next week I will be teaching 25 Korean high-school students from Dae Dong! Are you still teaching there? I wonder if you may know these students, or if you would be able to give me an idea as to what level they are at? It is hard to lesson plan for a group of kids you have never met!
Cheers,
Brittany