In Asia, Cram Schools Are a Ticket to Success... And Stress｜That's So Asian | Pilot Episode

Summary

The video script explores the intense cram school culture in East Asia, where students endure long hours of study to excel in exams, influenced by a mix of historical examination traditions and modern competitive pressures. It raises questions about the high costs, both financial and emotional, and the impact on students' well-being. The script also touches on global perspectives, suggesting a broader conversation about the value of credentials and the need for diverse educational approaches.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Taipei is a bustling city where cram school culture is a major part of students' lives, often extending their school day into the late evening.
• 🎓 Cram schools are a key component of East Asian education systems, with students attending to prepare for crucial exams that determine future academic success.
• 🏆 The importance of exams in Taiwan and other East Asian countries is rooted in historical practices like the ancient Chinese imperial examinations, where success in tests determined one's future.
• 💸 Cram schools are expensive, with the cost of preparing for high school and college exams reaching up to $26,000 USD per student from grades 6 to 12.
• 📉 Cram schools aren't always effective for everyone, with some students struggling under the pressure and experiencing declining grades or mental health challenges.
• 🌍 East Asian countries like Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore have similar systems, with cram schools being a common way for students to prepare for high-stakes exams.
• 👓 The intense focus on academics in East Asia has led to negative side effects, such as widespread myopia, affecting 80-90% of students who spend excessive time studying indoors.
• 📚 Credentialism and educational success are deeply ingrained in East Asian cultures, driven by both tradition and modernization, influencing societal values and personal opportunities.
• 🎯 Despite the high academic achievements, there is growing concern about the narrow focus on test scores and the societal pressure on students, leading to calls for educational reform.
• 🧠 The script emphasizes the need for education systems to evolve, fostering creativity, adaptability, and self-fulfillment to better prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.

Q & A

What is the typical Friday night routine for Chen & Shen in Taipei?

Chen & Shen attend cram school classes from around 6pm until 10pm on a typical Friday night.

Why do students in Taiwan attend cram schools after regular school hours?

Students in Taiwan attend cram schools to prepare for standardized tests that determine their placement into middle and high schools, as the school system is highly competitive.

How does the script describe the East Asian educational system?

The script describes the East Asian educational system as a 'survival game' where students must pass through a series of high-stakes exams to progress through their education.

What is the significance of the 2018 PISA test results mentioned in the script?

The 2018 PISA test results show that the top three countries in every subject were East Asian, highlighting the region's emphasis on education and its impact on academic performance.

Why are cram schools so prevalent in East Asian countries according to the script?

Cram schools are prevalent in East Asian countries because of the cultural value placed on education and the belief that good test scores and credentials are essential for success in life.

What historical practice is linked to the current emphasis on education in East Asia?

The script links the current emphasis on education in East Asia to the historical practice of the imperial examinations, which were used to select candidates for government positions.

How does the script suggest that the cram school culture affects society as a whole?

The script suggests that the cram school culture creates a highly competitive environment, leading to generations of anxious parents and pressure-ridden children, while also contributing to high academic achievement.

What is the term used in the script to describe the societal emphasis on academic credentials?

The term used in the script to describe the societal emphasis on academic credentials is 'credentialism'.

How does the script address the issue of the high cost of education in East Asia?

The script addresses the high cost of education by pointing out that the expense of cram schools and test preparation can be significant, yet parents are willing to invest heavily in their children's education due to the perceived benefits.

What are some of the physical and mental health implications of the cram school culture mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the cram school culture can lead to physical health issues like myopia and mental health issues such as stress and exhaustion due to the intense study schedules and pressure to perform well.

How does the script suggest that East Asian countries are trying to change their educational systems?

The script suggests that East Asian countries are trying to change their educational systems by implementing reforms such as national online education systems and fostering more diverse and self-motivated students through new curriculums.