In communicating with Kaylee this week, I asked the following questions:
1. Is there Standardized Testing in Korea and if so, what grade level does it start?
Answer: There is "testing" however, I'm not sure if these tests equate to what we call Standardized in America. I will get back with you once I do some research in this area.
2. How does the Korean Education system address school readiness from the Preschool level entering into the "public" school system?
Answer: Being a Kindergarten, English Teacher, I have not witnessed any collaboration between Elementary teachers and the Pre-school teachers since I have been here. When I met my class for the first time, I had to assess the students on my own to see where they were academically because unlike in the United States, "recordkeeping" is not a common practice here.
Also, there are numerous technological advances that could be utilized in the classroom to help with assessments and advancement of education but my school does not have the finances. The school is extremely conservative with any school supplies such as folders and paper, which forces me to buy or create my own supplemental supplies. Korea is an energy conservationist nation which translates to limiting wasteful air-conditioning and heat. However, working outside of Seoul in a small town, it's even worse. Imagine working in minus 0 temperatures without full-heat in your classrooms. Or working in 90 degrees with only fans and open windows. It's a bit frustrating.
3. What are your thoughts on Developmentally Appropriate Practices within the school system there in Korea?
Answer: In my opinion, I don't think they really understand Developmentally Appropriate Practices here in Korea. They tend to treat their children like little adults. Their academic expectations for their children is very stringent and robotic. I can remember when I first arrived here, I had so many tools that I wanted to use that was met with resistance because the activities looked too much like play which is a no-no at least in the school I work. I must admit, I am proud to say that I convinced them to observe and needless to say, I am now able to use my method of teaching freely.
Berdetta,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I am also excited about your international contact. In my early childhood years, I attended Dunbar Elementary School. It is a historical building in my hometown Bessemer, AL. The building still has colored school branded at the top. I was the last kindergarten class before they transferred us to Abrams Elementary. The description of the classroom in Korea gave me memories of my early childhood classroom environment at Dunbar and Abrams Elementary. We had no heat or air. The books we were taught out of were old and torn. I was a child and did not realize that I was in poverty. I must say I do remember play. The funny thing is I am still in poverty financially, but not mentally. This is why I strive for excellence for my daughter. She already has more than I did growing up and I keep the values of God first, be obedient, and humble. I really enjoyed reading your post.
Chere'e
Hi!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for sharing information received from your Korean Contact. Korean system seems similar to the Indian education system where children are considered 'little adults'. Effective communication and collaboration between pre-school and elementary teachers is extremely critical for school readiness. It can be frustrating when those leading schools do not understand and encourage it.
Cheers!
Sonali
Berdetta,
ReplyDeleteI found your post very informative about the educational practices in Korea. One thing that did not surprise me was when Kaylee said that they treat children like "little adults" over there. I have heard of that concept before when learning about Asian educational practices. Children are born and raised with a specific purpose in mind. I was sad to hear that they discourage play, which such a crucial part of childhood. I was glad to learn thought that after some observation, Kaylee was able to use some of her child-based lessons and materials when teaching her class.
Tiffany