As of this past weekend elementary, middle, and high schools across the country started having Saturday's off. Some high schools went ahead with regular classes anyway, angering teachers and students in the process. Among parents there is conflicting hope and worry. And while schools were in a state of confusion for insufficient preparation, there were tutoring institutes that scurried to organize Saturday lectures.
Trial and error and negative side effects were inevitable since the new scheduling has just gotten started. But since it is already an unavoidable demand by society, the goal most be achieved with a minimum of side effects. More than anything else, having Saturday's from school means the completion of the country's conversion to a five-day workweek. There is more opportunity to create a culture of family community and strengthen family ties, and to develop personal character. This feels a little late in coming, given that the situation calls education which places importance on creativity, problem solving, sensibility, and human character.
What is of foremost importance is teachers' attitude and level of preparation. The five-day workweek has not been fully implemented, and there a considerable number of parents who are still unable to spend Saturdays in self-study with their children. Teachers need to examine what schools can do themselves and what programs can be pursued in connection with the local community. Education officials have a big role to play. They need be on an exhaustive watch for less-than-aboveboard school operations. Schools should be kept from forcing their students to attend on Saturdays with thorough official oversight. Officials also need to guard against the greed of the private tutoring market, which is trying wiggle its way into the void to fatten its stomach.
Korean society is facing major change now that schools have Saturdays off in addition to the official five-day workweek. Education is qualitatively richer than it used to be content-wise, and the hope is that family life will be enriched as well. There is sure to be no small degree of change in leisure and recreation. While it may feel unfamiliar, this new academic schedule needs to be actively adjusted to for it to settle in properly. Doing so will also be elevating Korea to a "well-being society."
The Hankyoreh, 28 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Be True to Goal of No-School Saturdays |
