Today is a big day. Today is the 수능, Su Neung Exam ["Soo Nung"]. Below you can find links to videos and interviews of students regarding the exam. If you really want to learn about a unique part of Korean culture, specifically the education culture, browse through this post, ask me questions, do some pondering. Let me know what you think. Keep an open mind as you read on, and make sure your speakers are on so you can check out the videos :)
When I first stepped into Baeyoung High School, where I have now been teaching for 3 months, I quickly caught wind of the exam culture that dominates the Korean education system, for better or worse (depending on what you feel the goals of education are & your level of loyalty to the education system you are familiar with at home). The English teachers at my school do not use text books, starting from the first year of high school, Su Neung exam prep books are used. Test questions for mid-terms and final exams are administered in a style similar to the Su Neung. Also, one time EVERY month, the students take a Su Neung practice exam. All the preparation during their three years of high school still does little to water down the pressure and nervousness seniors students feel come November.
Video ONE, A Korean student explains her perspective on the Su Neung Exam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0VB-MG0_K4&feature=player_embedded
The Su Neung: Korea's national college entrance exam; administered once per year in November. Nearly all students planning to enter a university take the exam -- that's thousands of students taking this test at the same time all over Korea. The score determines not only the students' university, but also their major. Students apply to a specific major at a university, and if accepted into that university the student cannot easily switch majors.
The Su Neung is one of two ways to enter a university in Korea. The second way is for students to apply to a university PRIOR to the Su Neung, and be chosen through grades and an interview, or...not.
Students who do not score high enough to enter the school they want, will often spend the next 365 days preparing again for the exam. There are test prep centers established all over Korea specifically for this customer niche.
In the morning around 7:30am, it is a tradition that the underclass students cheer on examinees walking into the school for the Su Neung. I joined my students outside for an hour to cheer on the nervous seniors from BaeYoung High School. My students were much less enthusiastic than I expected, but I could still tell it was important to them to be around to support their school mates. I took a few of my students out for breakfast after the cheering came to a close.
Video TWO, A past Fulbright ETA, Michael Hurt (his blog), who has been in Korea for about 8 years now made this video, interviewing underclass high school students about the Su Neung Exam. Su Neung test day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OvXf85VF-Q&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
The Su Neung has changed throughout the the years. It first started to be administered in 1993. Korean Universities focus on test scores, and students aim for the top ranked universities in Korea. The name of one's university can make your future prospects golden if you attend what are known as the S.K.Y. Universities. S = Seoul National University; K = Korea University; Y = Yeonsei University. Acceptance into these and other top ranking schools is seen, in general, as essential to securing one's future. In a highly competitive job market and an economy still in the up-swing, pressure is especially high.
Video THREE, A documentary (anti-Su Neung point of view) put together by a foreign professor living in Korea. The narration is a little awkward, but the video and interview responses are insightful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf1wDK_katk
Well, that's all about the Su Neung. There is more to be said, both good and bad, but I hope you at least know a little more than you did before reading/watching.
...and don't forget, teens are still teens no matter where they are in the word (1 min video; not my students): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc-lu-tzfX8
i think, it's better to be evaluated based on performance rather than one-time, all-in test..
ReplyDeletehowever, being accustomed to asian education system, i think 수능 is beneficial for late-bloomer. 수능 in a way gives hope to people who have not been performing well during first few years of high school.on the other hand, for those who have been performing consistently well in their study, i don't think 수능 will be a problem for them..
-귀여은 친구 ^.~