South Korean

Educational System

Elementary school has six grades (ages

6-12), while middle school (ages 1215) and high school (ages 15-18) each
have three.
Schooling is mandatory at the
elementary level (between the ages of
6 and 12), and nearly every child
completes primary schooling. Most
children continue on to secondary
schools.
Though public and private high schools
with a general curriculum are
available, students can also attend
schools that specialize in science and
art, or vocational schools for careers
that don't require university
education.
Foreign language and science schools
are prestigious due to their
competitive application process.
Non-specialized high schools function
primarily as institutions concerned
with getting children into good
universities.

Student Needs

South Korean students are

taught to have the utmost
respect for their teachers.
Students may call you
teacher or professor, as a
sign of respect.
If a student is not raising his or
her hand, it is because it is
seen as disrespectful.
Students are required to take
their shoes off when entering a
classroom in South Korea, and
put on slippers.

South Korea
Capital City: Seoul
Language: Korean
Government: Republic

References

CIA World Fact Book, South Korea. (2014).

Retrieved from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/geos/ks.html
Engage New York, New York State P-12
Common Core Learning Standards. (2014).
Retrieved from:
https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-yorkstate-p-12-common-core-learning-standards
Global Edge, South Korean Statistics. (2014).
Retrieved from:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/southkorea/statistics
Kim, H., Prouty, A. M., Smith, D. B., Ko, M.J.,
Wetchler, J. L., & Oh, J.-E. (2013).
Differentiation of self and its relationship with
family functioning in south koreans. The
American Journal of Family Therapy, 42:257265.
South korea (republic of korea) (2014). . Provo:
ProQuest and Brigham Young University
ProQuest and Brigham Young University
CultureGrams. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1500409
882?accountid=28076

Lauren Spotkov

EDU 365 Critical Issues Benchmark

Dr. Spatt

South Korean Students &

the Common Core

South Korean students have the ability to score very high on exams, due to their intense
studying, so the Common Core exams might not be too difficult, if the students prepare
for them and know what to expect.
The Common Core is most likely easier than the intense lessons that they are used to in
South Korea, but may be more difficult at first because they are used to the different
ways of learning.
The Korean Education System is based on memorization and repetition, and the Common
Core focuses more on critical thinking that a Korean student might not be used to.

ELA & Mathematics

The ELA portion of the tests that

focus on essay writing might be very
difficult for students because they
are not used to creative thinking.
They are used to concrete thinking
and learning.
The comprehension should not be
very difficult because they can look
back on what they have read and
there is a definite answer.
The Mathematics portion of the
tests may be easier for them
because even though they have to
learn math differently, once they
learn it, it does not change.

Tips for Teachers

To get South Korean students used to the new ways of learning let them know that their
ways of learning are not wrong, and that it is just different.
If a student is more advanced with the subject matter that you are teaching, you could
advance them in their studies by giving them more reading to do on the subject or more
equations to solve, if the lesson is math or science based.
Inform your students about Specials and explain the importance of them to the student,
given that it is not a focus in South Korea. Let them know that they might enjoy the
activities if they are open to learning them.
If you are giving your student something, try to hand it to them using both hands.
Avoid pointing, because it is considered rude. Try to use your whole hand if you are
showing your students something.
Do not assume that your student does not know the answer, if they are not participating.
Call on the student, or ask them what they think about the subject matter.
Encourage the student to participate and make sure that they know that it is respectful.
Divide your students into small groups, so you can work with your students one-on-one.
If your student needs to take off his or her shoes in the classroom, have them bring an
extra pair of shoes that they can keep at school.