Teacher, Leave Those Kids Alone

In this week's discussion, we will focus on education.

I've found two articles related to this topic in Times website. You can read the first one for this week's discussion. If you have more time, you can read the second one as well.

links are provided below:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2094427,00.html

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1644924,00.html

After reading the article about Korea’s Hagwon phenomenon, it reminds me of my old times when I prepared my university entrance exam. In terms of crammed schools, Taiwan and other Asian countries (Japan, China, Korea) are quite alike. We went to after-school institution to cram a lot of information that is barely used in daily life. And my teacher also told us that “if you don’t study now, you will regret for the rest of your life.” I figured that she’s trying to say “Receiving admission from top universities promises you a better treatment or life in the future.” However, this “one size fits all” education is not suitable for all kinds of students. Our education officials realized this point and try to make it right by enforcing reforms in education. Today, we will discuss our experiences in old school days and your opinions about education.

Questions:

1. Have you ever been to cram schools when you were in schools? What subjects did you take in cram schools? Did you like to go to cram schools?

2. In the past few years, Taiwan ‘s ministry of education made some educational reforms. As far as I know, they stressed the importance of creativity and innovation not just memorization of knowledge alone. Do you think students now are less stressful and more creative?

3. If you have kids, will you send them to cram schools or talent schools (for example schools teaching dancing, music)? Why?

4. Do you think “a ticket to top university” is a guaranteed way for a promising life in the future?

5. If you were an educational official who has power to enforce educational reform, what aspect of education will you change or what would like students to learn in schools?