Overhaul public education

The latest survey by the Korean Educational Development Institute clearly shows that students are growing increasingly distrustful of public education, believing private education is more helpful. Students believe instructors at hagwon, or private institutes, have more skills than teachers at public schools in nearly all areas. Hagwon teachers typically receive higher scores across the board in terms of curriculum and their ability to incorporate changes that reflect government policies.

That’s something most people have come to expect.

However, the ratings showed that students even gave higher scores to hagwon teachers for their role in building character and maintaining close relationships with their pupils, indicating that public education is in a critical situation.

We truly were at a loss of words to see that teachers at public schools had lost ground to hagwon teachers.

The teachers may not be the chief culprits behind public education’s woes today. However, public education will be stuck in a rut unless changes involving teachers are made.

Of course, many teachers still adhere to their original oaths to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. One teacher has devoted her 33-year teaching career to developing enjoyable classes for children. Another teacher poured his heart and soul into developing creative methods for teaching.

Many teachers even spend their own money to learn ideal teaching methods and analyze online lectures to hone their skills. They serve as a beacon of hope for public education.

Education authorities should create a framework of conditions encouraging teachers to put considerable effort into preparing lectures and guiding students. Basically, it should overhaul the current system that fosters, appoints and trains teachers across the board.

The shocking survey results are a solemn message that school education cannot stand upright in the world without restoring trust in the integrity of teachers.