The period of the US college admission is coming, and colleges are expecting to receive a bountiful number of applications from all over the world. Indeed, regardless of regions, adorit students are eager to enter into universities in order to enhance their competence of their prospective careers. In order to help readers’ understanding, the background of this article is focused on circumstances in Korea. Students, as soon as they become an age of 8, begin to enroll in primary school, and 6 years of education in secondary school is followed beforehand applying to universities. Including the year of college studying, students are usually expected to complete 16 years of studying. Then, they finally start to engage in social activities, earning profits. Sure enough, 16 years of studying from primary school to college is not a short period of time.
The prevalent educational system in Korea can be designated as somewhat “inefficient.” The happiness index can be found in the statistical data of the OECD, and one can easily discern the fact the majority of Korean students feel “unhappy” about their lives. Many experts have cast a criticism towards the education system in Korea, declaring its “inefficiency” when applying to the real world. Several illustrations could be utilized to supplement the opinions of the public. Although completing 16 years of education, since students have not experienced “practical mechanism” in terms of working, they tend to feel difficulty right after entering into corporations. In other words, students enhance their dexterities in dealing with academia, but they are certainly lacking the capabilities to handle practical work. True, theories are the basis of practicality, and fundamental principles must be regarded as crucial factors. However, there must be a suitable harmonization between the elements of theoretical concepts and practical skills. No matter how many books one reads and understands, concepts he or she has acquired from reading would not be valid if he or she cannot apply concepts to society. Education system in Korea neglects the value of feasible approaches to certain issues, and such a fact hinders students when they start to work in society.
With the same respect aforementioned, fully understanding and utilizing practical ideas by heart would not be realized until one learns how to apply concepts to real work. This logic is applicable not only to formulate a better career but to foster a right deed in a society-wise. The accomplishment of virtues such as justice, impartiality, and righteousness would not be possible in a prerequisite one cannot apply concepts to reality. Memorized based education can seriously deteriorate one’s mindset, captivating one into a certain dogma, not bestowing an opportunity to expand his or her thought. The moment of enlightenment can truely come when one takes a further step from his or her current norm, and a catalyst which can enable such a move is to learn how to turn theories into practical skills. A society full of intellectuals with similar minds is dead. A society constructed by intellectuals willing to break the unjust paradigm could be sustained. Thus, acquiring a process of thinking in which one can utilize concepts should be highly encouraged.
Education should not be a means to discriminate against others. One graduating from prestigious universities should never discriminate against others who have received lower education. Elitism or supriorism elicited from education is another partiality prevalent in Korean society. Considering academia as divine fields, discriminating against others associated with the working field should not be accepted. This trend might be resolved if the society puts an equal emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practicality. It is true that communities would no longer be sustainable if there is none in charge of the working field. Consequently, all jobs, regardless of their status, must be treated equally. This ideology can be spread out further once the society executes the philosophy described beforehand.
There are numerous other issues attributed to an inefficient education system in Korea: lack of knowledge in managing one’s finances, individuals who do not really know what they want to be, and corruption and injustice instilled by officials in power. To step forward to solve these issues is straightforward. Enhancing the importance of having practical skills would be a direct method which can not only change people’s perception but also make a more affirmative atmosphere in society. Humans should remember education is an element which can empower minds of individuals in addition to a stimulant which can change the entire society in a positive way. Therefore, an inefficient education system in Korea should be revised into more practical ways.