It is so unfortunate that in our part of the world (South Asia), education has yet to become top priority of our governments. Our respective governments are always mired in one issue or another and use those as excuses for not doing what they are supposed to do on an urgent basis. Recently South Korea has been ranked as one of the top countries ensuring quality education for its countrymen. South Korea is also facing immense problems but its government did not use it as an excuse to overlook such an important sector that ensures the progress of a nation.
The latest international rankings, compiled for Pearson by the Economist Intelligence Unit, is based on the situation of higher education as well as international school tests. The ranking laid emphasis on the success of Asian education systems with South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong topping the list. Finland, which was previously at the top, has slumped to No. 5, reflecting a downward trend in Scandinavian countries.
These rankings include higher education graduation rates. Students in South Korea, with the strongest test results, have to memorize 60 to 100 pages of facts, says the report, raising questions about the long-term value of such rote learning.
Schools and colleges around the world are using innovative methods for better learning. The biggest challenge isn’t finding brilliant teachers or high-performing schools, it’s how to share that and how it is replicated. Congratulations South Korea, we are proud of your achievement. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
Keep it up S. Korea!
