By Lee Hyo-sik
Elementary and secondary school students will soon be able to take part in more after-school English programs and attend more practical math classes as part of government efforts to slash private education costs.
In 2010 alone, parents here spent a total of 21 trillion won to send their children to private learning institutes. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology wants to cut the amount by as much as 1 trillion won this year.
Among other measures, the ministry plans to develop English TV programs and textbooks in the first half of the year, which will be tailored to each grade, through the state-run public education broadcaster EBS.
From the latter half of the year, all schools across the country will teach the developed programs and use the materials for English education.
Elementary and secondary schools will also be encouraged to set up an English study club so students can study the language educational content provided by Arirang TV.
At the same time, the ministry will place more emphasis on practical mathematics education in schools to further reduce private education expenses.
Students will be encouraged to solve real-life math questions and attend classes in accordance with their abilities. The new curriculum will focus on problem-solving, instead of memorizing mathematical formulas.
High school students will be allowed to use a calculator during math tests.
“All these measures will help enhance public education and prevent students from relying too heavily on private lessons provided by expensive private cram schools,” a ministry official said.