As a way to strengthen history education at schools, President Park Geun-hye has hinted at the possibility of returning Korean history as a compulsory subject on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).
In a meeting with chief editorial writers from major press outlets at Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday, Park said, ''The history of a country is like the soul of the people. If a person grows to be a citizen without proper knowledge of history, that person could be left without a soul. And if distorted (historical) perceptions are added to that, it's a really serious problem.'' She said the best way to ensure students study history hard would be to oblige all students to take a Korean history exam in the CSAT.
Park's remarks come amid growing concern that youngsters remain ignorant of Korean history because they are not required to study the subject for college entrance exams. The education authorities designated Korean history as a selective subject for the 2004 CSAT takers for the first time. As a result, the percentage of students who chose Korean history as the selective subject dipped from 27 percent in that year to 7 percent last year. Currently, Seoul National University is the only higher learning institution that requires applicants to take a Korean history test in the annual nationwide state-administered test.
Needless to say, we can't overemphasize the importance of history education. This is all the more so, given that our neighboring countries have been distorting historical facts more elaborately in recent months for their own national interests. In acute contrast, people's interest in national history has waned significantly amid the weakened history lessons in class. As a matter of fact, we wonder how many Koreans will be able to refute with confidence Japan's mistaken territorial claim to the easternmost islets of Dokdo.
As the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations asked the government to re-designate Korean history as a mandatory subject earlier this month, there is no need to delay doing so merely because of concern about the increased burden on students. This is because our youngsters need to arm themselves with rightful historical perceptions and views about the nation.
We feel it necessary to let all students, including those seeking to major in natural sciences and engineering in college take a Korean history test. At the same time, there will have to be improvements in teaching methods so that students can maintain an interest in history.
In a meeting with chief editorial writers from major press outlets at Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday, Park said, ''The history of a country is like the soul of the people. If a person grows to be a citizen without proper knowledge of history, that person could be left without a soul. And if distorted (historical) perceptions are added to that, it's a really serious problem.'' She said the best way to ensure students study history hard would be to oblige all students to take a Korean history exam in the CSAT.
Park's remarks come amid growing concern that youngsters remain ignorant of Korean history because they are not required to study the subject for college entrance exams. The education authorities designated Korean history as a selective subject for the 2004 CSAT takers for the first time. As a result, the percentage of students who chose Korean history as the selective subject dipped from 27 percent in that year to 7 percent last year. Currently, Seoul National University is the only higher learning institution that requires applicants to take a Korean history test in the annual nationwide state-administered test.
Needless to say, we can't overemphasize the importance of history education. This is all the more so, given that our neighboring countries have been distorting historical facts more elaborately in recent months for their own national interests. In acute contrast, people's interest in national history has waned significantly amid the weakened history lessons in class. As a matter of fact, we wonder how many Koreans will be able to refute with confidence Japan's mistaken territorial claim to the easternmost islets of Dokdo.
As the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations asked the government to re-designate Korean history as a mandatory subject earlier this month, there is no need to delay doing so merely because of concern about the increased burden on students. This is because our youngsters need to arm themselves with rightful historical perceptions and views about the nation.
We feel it necessary to let all students, including those seeking to major in natural sciences and engineering in college take a Korean history test. At the same time, there will have to be improvements in teaching methods so that students can maintain an interest in history.
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