Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ImInKoreaAintI]

Hi there.

Maybe some of you seasoned teachers who have been in Korea could answer me some questions.

I've heard and read, but DO NOT BELIEVE that all students in public schools pass, no matter what. As long as they've payed their tutition and not skip every class, they will be passed. Is this true? So the quality of their grades has not outcome on their grade passing status?

Also, about the college entrance exam. So the seniros take this exam and based up on these scores, they will be placed into a category of university/college that they can attend. Is this correct? Do colleges take into account grades, extra-ciriculars and all that stuff?

The reason why I am asking this is because I have a hard time motivating students in class. If the above questions are true, then it would be hard to be motivated to pass, when they know that they'll pass anyway. Like, there's no incentive to work hard and do well in school work, they're gonna pass anyone, right?

[nomad-ish]

well, i don't actually mark anything from my kids (except when i was teaching extra class and camps...but even then it wasn't pass/fail), however i have some students (special as well as regular) that i'm positive cannot read english, and sure enough they're in the next grade this year.

i feel bad for the kids because they'll keep getting bumped up (at least in my MS) to the next, harder grade, unable to understand the last one. unfortunately class size doesn't allow me to actually help these students much

[tob55]

The system in the Roh administration was designed to focus highly on the University entrance examination that takes place towards the end of the school year. Students who score high on the entrance exam are given placements in more prestigious universities, and those who score poorly on the exam are left to fight over the less desirable university placements. The new Lee administration is trying to phase this system out, but it is doubtful that they will succeed in doing it for at least a couple of years. Neither parents or students like the current system, but it is what it is. This is why certain high schools spend lots of time and effort teaching to the entrance exams.

In the four years I have been in Korea it has been this way. In my public school the students are passed along with their peers under the philosophical belief of no child left behind. Unfortunately, there are students who are passed with no concern for the fact that they are not passing given subjects, but that is how the system works. Some of the higher level high schools have slightly different systems, but they all follow the same rule of no one fails. If the students need remedial work, it is given to them in the form of after school programs to make sure they are prepared to take the university entrance exam.

The whole system needs a good overhaul, but the current system is such a big financial monster that administrators have become accustomed to that there is little hope of it changing without a fight from the educational associations in Korea.

[ImInKoreaAintI]

[Typhoon]

Grammar, grammar and more grammar. That is the Korean teachers area of concern. English conversation is not an issue for the enterance exam. You are at your school to entertain the students and make them think foreigners are funny like clowns. Don't worry about motivating them because what they do or don't do in your classroom won't matter in the long run. It is not worth your time or stress to worry too much about it. I know that sounds terrible, but the Korean system is what it is.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Everyone passes, yes. The uni exam only matters for students trying to get into 4-year uni programmes. It's more important for some unis than others. Most also take a students' final marks into consideration.

[jvalmer]

Actually, not all students pass. But, I think it's mostly because of behavioral issues.

At a local boy's school, a 3rd year middle school boy would would swear at his teachers occasionally, after consulting with teachers, principals, and parents, the student was given a choice. Either do some community service, or repeat year 3 of middle school. The dumb@ss was too stubborn and refused to do community service and is now doing his 3rd year again and will probably be called dumb@ss by his younger classmates. The only thing saving the kid is that he is a really really big kid, and could and would most likely beat up some of the kids that may tease him.

[Atavistic]

[quote="jvalmer"]Either do some community service, or repeat year 3 of middle school. The dumb@ss was too stubborn and refused to do community service and is now doing his 3rd year again and will probably be called dumb@ss by his younger classmates. The only thing saving the kid is that he is a really really big kid, and could and would most likely beat up some of the kids that may tease him/quote]

I had to go to court for a speeding ticket. While I was there, there was some young guy, 21 I think, from a VERY well to do family. He's been going 110 in a 65 mph zone. The judge told him the ticket would be $1,000, but she'd cut it (I think to $250?) if he did 40 hours of community service.

He said no.

Meanwhile his mother was crying on my mentor's shoulder (she thought my mentor was my mother) about how upset his father would be at the $1000 ticket. My mentor said, "Why the heck are you going to pay it? He's the idiot who won't do community service."