살루톤! 아이비입니다.
무료 영어회화 클럽에서 다뤄질 내용입니다.
오늘도 갈고 닦으며 영어실력 향상에 애를 쓰는데
우리나라 사교육은 변함이 없네요.
셀프스터디로 가시죠!
1️⃣ 오프닝 (Introduction)
"Hello, everyone! Today, we have a fascinating topic to discuss—South Korea’s intense private education system for young children. Have you ever heard of the ‘4th grade examination’? It’s a term that highlights the growing trend of private education for children under six. Surprisingly, nearly half of preschoolers in South Korea attend private academies, or hagwons, and even one in four babies under two receive private education!
This issue has gained international attention, and the Financial Times recently published an article about how this education craze is affecting the economy, household debt, and even South Korea’s birth rate. Let’s take a closer look at this article and discuss its implications together!"
2️⃣ 기사 요약 (Brief Summary of the Article)
"According to the Financial Times, 47.6% of children under six in South Korea are enrolled in private academies, and the tuition for English kindergartens can be as high as 1.5 million won per month. This intense academic pressure leads parents to spend a large portion of their income on education, sometimes at the cost of their retirement savings.
The article also highlights that this heavy financial burden contributes to the country’s declining birth rate, which is now the lowest in the world at 0.75 children per woman. It even affects domestic consumption because families prioritize education expenses over other spending."
3️⃣ 주제 관련 질문 (Discussion Questions)
"Now, let’s dive into some discussion questions. Feel free to share your thoughts!"
- General Opinion
- What was your first reaction to this article?
- Do you think private education at such a young age is necessary?
- Cultural & Economic Impact
- How do you think this intense private education culture affects South Korean society?
- In many countries, education is considered an investment for the future. Do you agree with this mindset? Why or why not?
- Comparisons with Other Countries
- In your country, do young children receive private education? How does it compare to South Korea?
- Do you think government intervention is necessary to reduce dependence on private education?
- Personal Perspective
- If you were a parent, how would you balance your child’s education and financial security?
- How can South Korea encourage a healthier approach to education without harming children's futures?
