One of the things that Ms.Nokes encounters a lot is the pressure that is put on the children of korea. Children who are well off are often from the city, and go to school from about 8-3 to study english math or science depending on if their career target of a doctor or engineer. She is quick to point out that these children are between the ages of 6-18 and already have a career choice! Once that part of school is over, either a private tutor or a second school period from 6-10pm and do homework until midnight. These children are forced to spend long strenuous hours for a future that is planned already. The children who live in the country are not as fortunate. The government gives money to villages to send children to an english immersion program for a week every year. Ms.Nokes finds that the children raised in the country are often much more polite and well behaved in comparison to the privledged children in the city. They understand the responsibilities that are placed on them when they are selected to take part in the english immersion program and are respectful. They are proud to be chosen, and get their pictures taken with the school for the local newspaper. Apparently, it is hard to find people to teach in the country because of discrimination. If you are a white english speaker, you are seen as different but beautiful. Any other race which is fluent is generally not accepted and does not get hired easily. Ms.Nokes discussed with me how many great teachers are not being hired and it does not allow for as many children to get a good quality education.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI knew that the Asian culture was very strict on their children, but I had no idea it was that bad. They don't have time to have a childhood, they are living like mini adults. I don't find that hard to believe that the children living in the country are more behaved than the other children. It is a known fact, the more pressure you put on children, the more they will rebel in their childhood or life. Thank you for sharing this awesome information.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteThe pressure put on these children to achieve academically has to be causing enormous stress which must affect them physically and emotionally; perhaps that's the reason for the behavior issues. The children from the country are not under the same kind of pressure so they are happy to have the opportunity to participate in the english immersion program. I was sorry to read about the discrimination, and that people are not being hired because of their race. It is sad that some can't see past color, even if it affects the quality of education children receive..smh!
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI thought I understood about the pressure that Asian families place on their children to excel in school. After reading your post, it saddens me that these children are not experiencing childhood; they have no time to play, build relationships and to explore. Based on what we know about stress and its impact on development, this must be affecting them tremendously.
Wow...it is very interesting to hear about schools in Korea. It seems that Korea understands how important education is for thier children. Having children work long hours on school work and choosing a career path at an early age is great. I think it definetly lets children "see" the importance of education and how it relates to them and their life. I don't like how the importance of education is only provided for the "priveledged", city child. This doesn't really seem fair.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize schools in Korea were set up like that. It is interesting to imagine children so young already knowing their career paths in Korea and then thinking of all of the adults that are in the United States that still are unsure of their career paths. It is very different.
ReplyDeleteTalk about loss of childhood! When do these children play? It is incredible to consider their work ethic and the serious attitude I imagine they maintain. The differences between the city students and country students is also very interesting. I wonder how their performance compares- both academically and cognitively but also regarding social/emotional skills?
ReplyDeleteLisa