Korean education: Worthy of emulating in Chile

By David Azócar

Two local experts feel that there are several issues that have made Korean education successful. Among these are classrooms armed with the latest educational technology, online curriculum, well-paid teachers and parents who closely monitor their children’s progress.

The crisis Chilean education is old news, but viable, short and medium-term solutions are not. Professor Julie Kim, Coordinator of the Asia Pacific Center at Universidad Diego Portales and Professor Eugenio Rodriguez, at PUC’s (Catholic University of Chile) Department of Education, share their unique insight into these issues.

In the opinion of our two interviewees, the role of the teacher in student learning is central. A good start, therefore, would be to implement some type of financial incentive to the teaching profession in Chile. Korean teachers earn salaries comparable to mid-level managers in other fields. Thus the quality of life for a teacher is not inferior to that of other professions, as is the case in Chile. In turn, Korea has a better pool of prospective teachers from which to choose, says Professor Kim.

Another factor is teacher preparation. And here we not only refer to training, but also to class preparation. Korean classes use a variety of technology (Internet, TV, etc.). at different points in the curriculum. The teacher is not only delivering knowledge, but also becomes the guide when students search for content within and outside the classroom, according to Professor Rodriguez.
By David Azócar

Edunet is home to Korea’s educational curriculum. Students, teachers and parents can all interact via this education internet. Parents have a much more active role than in Chile because they receive the curriculum in their home computers. They are given a list of strategies on how to easily teach each subject, which were covered in the classroom. The system, known as Cyber Home, has been in operation since 2002, according to Professor Rodriguez.

Korean students not receive high quality education in their schools, which are overwhelmingly State-run (more than 99%). They also receive tutoring paid for by their parents. "In fact, a major issue (among Koreans) is stress under which students live, in addition to the huge levels of spending on tutoring by parents," states Professor Kim. 

Which facets of the Korean education model should Chile use?

A complex system like that of South Korea is clearly a long-term goal for Chile. It has made Korea one of the best trained nations in the world. It is not impossible for Chile to achieve, if it focuses on the key elements which have led to Korean success. These very elements are what can remediate Chile’s weakest characteristics in education.

According to Professor Rodriguez, who also teaches at PUC’s Asian Studies Program, insertion of technology into the classroom would be one of Chile’s best options. "Our country has had successful experiences in implementing ICTs. It should not take Chile more than two years to implement this facet of the Korean model. We will need to review the curriculum delivery and train teachers in its use."

Finally, the Coordinator of UDP’s Asia Pacific Center states that incentives will improve quality in teaching. “It is fundamentally important to give Education a central role (in Chilean society). This is achieved when you primarily base graduation and professional life on merit; a meritocracy. There are studies that indicate that substantial differences in student achievement due to the importance they place on their academic achievement vis-à-vis future professional prospects.”

• Some key indicators in Korean Education (from presentations made at the Korean Education Seminar, held Friday, August 24, 2007 at the Universidad Gabriela Mistral.)
  
  • The South Korean educational budget totaled $31.3 billion dollars, or 19.7% of the ROK’s annual budget.
  • During 2006-2012, Korea plans to spend $22 billion dollars on education.
  • Edunet, connected to every Korean school since 2000, registered 5.6 million users and 25.6 million educational tools are available via internet.
  • Korean teachers with 15 years of experience often earn more than $80,000 a year.