Korean and American high school students have very different school life Because They are in a completely different cultural sphere. Then what are the differences between Korean and American education, especially the high school graduating system?
Korean high school offer 10th to 12th grade education. Students in Korea receive education to prepare for the national college entrance exam, which is the national curriculum. The America, on the other hand, offers education in grades 9 to 12. With education in various academic disciplines, students prepare for the High school graduation Test (SAT or ACT) upon graduation from high school American and Korean High schools also have different ways of scoring grades.
American high school use absolute grading system, method of evaluating student’s academic performance according to absolute standard. For example, if you get 90 points, you will get an A. However, In Korea, High school Students are graduated on a curve. The academic performance of each high school student is evaluated not by what he has accomplished and how much he has achieved, but by how well he has done compared to other students. In simple terms, the ranking is the evaluation of grades. This evaluation method further increases competition in Korean society.
Mr. Anderson said “I have heard that Korean students are graded on a curve, however, I prefer the approach that we use in America. A curve can really hurt a hard-working student who performs well but is in an extremely competitive class. A student in Korea might receive a D or even fail a class with an 80% because other students in their class are extremely talented. On the other hand, in America, and 80% is a B” He added, “My understanding is that the Korean education system places a lot of demands on their students. The students are given a tremendous workload and are expected to excel. Stress and depression therefore might be an issue for Korean students.”
Then why does Korea use such a competitive graduating system? The answer is in background of Korea. Unlike other developed countries that have grown comfortably and have different histories, Korea has grown through a history that is like war for the past 40 years. Compared to other developed countries, Korea’s living conditions stand out, such as high population density, limited natural resources, and people’s strong desire to live well. The situation in developed countries is a comfortable state where conflict exists but food, clothing, and shelter are not greatly threatened, but Korea’s past situation is not the comfortable state of developed countries, but a war situation where people have to fight for survival in a situation where food, clothing, and shelter are absolutely lacking and where they always feel a lack in their hearts.Anyone who knows these situations can also understand the cause of Korea’s educational fervor. Korea chose education as a solution to overcome difficult situations and receive compensation.
As a result, excessive educational fervor has developed, and people try to choose a higher status and a comfortable life through education.In addition to this situation where Korea is separated from other countries, there are many other factors that cause Korea’s educational fervor. Historically, Korea’s educational fervor has been strong due to Confucian culture and traditional educational views. so children have been educated and raised by adults with traditional educational views. This atmosphere has spread throughout society and been passed down, which has become the cause of educational fervor. Other historical causes include Korea’s colonial experience and the Korean War. In order to overcome and resolve these difficult situations, it was necessary to improve intellectual ability to foster the power of the people, which has been the cause of excessive educational fervor. There are many other historical causes. Through these processes, Korea has come to be caught up in excessive educational fervor to this day.
It is impossible to determine which educational method is superior between Korea and the United States. However, if we learn about the pros and cons of education in each country through such as exchange student programs, and fix it, the level of education in the world will be higher.
