Exam system fails students
I agree that new education reforms need to be introduced. The reform instituted last year has failed. I really think that the people who are responsible for education reforms should all have their heads examined. They always think what they plan should be good for the students when it’s not.
For example, last year’s education reform was aimed at relieving students of the burden of exams. Even though students don’t have to take the Joint College Entrance Exam now, they have more stress than before, because now every test they take counts when they apply for university. This means students have to work really hard on every single test, yet still find time for extra-curricular activities, because universities look at the extra-curricular achievements of students, too.
This makes the system more unfair because students from rich families have more chances to attend all those classes and competitions. It means the rich have more of a chance to go to better schools than students from poorer families.
I also agree that the mock exams shouldn’t be taken on weekends. Students should have the opportunity to take a rest from all the work they do. Most of the students in Taiwan have a lot of work and also go to cram schools. Some of the students even go to cram schools on Saturday and Sunday. Even elementary-school students are going to cram schools.
I think that the people who are responsible for the education reforms should send students questionnaires asking what they think could improve the education system. Students are really the ones who know how they could improve academically and still find time for extra-curricular activities.
Government officials should let students think more for themselves.
Annie Chen
Taichung
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