커뮤니티
BRITISH EDUCATION
공지사항
All About Me!
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2014-06-18
All About Me!-Nick Bull
Burntwood School Head of GCSE English
Five months is not a long time in which to understand another culture. I had some experience of teaching Korean students in the UK but had spent the vast majority of my career working in English schools and following English education systems. I have been a qualified English teacher for eight years. My first three years were spent as an English teacher in a large London school. I later gained promotion to Deputy in Charge of the English Department. This however would be a very different experience and I was eager to learn what it would be like teaching 9000 kilometres from home.
English Schools
Schools in England are divided into Private and State. Although there are some differences in the ways they are structured they all prepare students for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations that are sat at the end of Year 11 when students are 16 years old. This is the end of their compulsory education but the majority of students use these exams as a way of progressing into Further Education, most commonly A-Levels and then University.
Schools in England are divided into Private and State. Although there are some differences in the ways they are structured they all prepare students for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations that are sat at the end of Year 11 when students are 16 years old. This is the end of their compulsory education but the majority of students use these exams as a way of progressing into Further Education, most commonly A-Levels and then University.
How Can I Prepare?
How then should a student prepare for schooling in the UK? The best method is by reading a range of different texts. The Internet provides access to many styles of writing. All of the major newspapers have websites from which students can read articles on everything from current affairs to entertainment reviews to sports reports. The major bookstores in Seoul sell a large range of literature for all ages and abilities. It is important that students read something that challenges them but that they can understand and enjoy.
How then should a student prepare for schooling in the UK? The best method is by reading a range of different texts. The Internet provides access to many styles of writing. All of the major newspapers have websites from which students can read articles on everything from current affairs to entertainment reviews to sports reports. The major bookstores in Seoul sell a large range of literature for all ages and abilities. It is important that students read something that challenges them but that they can understand and enjoy.
Writing is a skill that needs practice. Students should try to write something every day, whether it’s a diary entry, a comment on a topical news story or a piece of descriptive writing. They should keep their writing short. A paragraph is plenty, but they should take the time to re-read it, correct it and edit it. The more they rework it the better it will be.
Korea and England? The Differences!
Private study and education academies are becoming more and more widespread in Korea. Although there are similar academies in England, children generally join clubs that are not academically based. Sports clubs are popular and allow students to relax, enjoy themselves and stay healthy. A healthy body is a healthy mind! Having said that, the value that the Korean culture places on education is impressive and in the long-term can only be of benefit. I do think that children can be pushed a little too hard, but better this than a lazy and dismissive approach.
Private study and education academies are becoming more and more widespread in Korea. Although there are similar academies in England, children generally join clubs that are not academically based. Sports clubs are popular and allow students to relax, enjoy themselves and stay healthy. A healthy body is a healthy mind! Having said that, the value that the Korean culture places on education is impressive and in the long-term can only be of benefit. I do think that children can be pushed a little too hard, but better this than a lazy and dismissive approach.
Korean students living abroad have the advantage of being able to speak another language and experience life in another country. These experiences should allow them to gain a broader view of the world and its different cultures. However, the real difference between the English and Korean education systems is the value placed on student opinion.
English teachers are particularly concerned with the student’s reaction to a text. The examination tests their understanding and their analytical skills, but to achieve the top grades the students must give a personal response to the text. The examiner wants to know the student’s interpretation of a poem, short story or novel. I am by no means an expert on Korean education, but in my experience the focus here tends to be on received learning? Information that students must memorize. There are advantages to this but I do believe that the value of learning lies in how we use it to enrich and benefit our lives and the world around us.
I have taught exceptional students in both England and Korea. Korean students seem more willing to accept education as a valuable and important part of growing up. They tend to be able to remain focused for longer periods during class time. English students are more willing to question ideas and opinions? A vital part of academic learning. Korean students don’t do this as much as a consequence they often miss out on hearing other opinions and ideas.
Of course, I am generalizing hugely and there are countless examples of dedicated English students and opinionated Korean students. The differences are interesting though and are what make living and teaching in another country so fascinating.
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