Education System In Different Parts Of The World
Education is probably one of the most important institutions for human beings. People hold a very strong paradigm in their minds where they think a good education will land you on a satisfactory job with a heavy paycheck. Everything boils down to a high standard of living in the end. Although this is partially true, it does not mean that uneducated people have not been able to “make it” in their lives. Learning is the core of everything. The entire argument is highly subjective so let us keep that for some other time.
The education system in different parts of the world mostly depends on their economy. The main factors are the resources and capital that takes to support and back this system. When you see it closely, a country’s wealth has to do a lot with the kind of education system they have. Countries that do not have basic amenities like clean running water or electricity. How do we expect them to have a top-notch education system? To understand this further, let us see how the education systems in different parts of the world are:
Finland
The world’s top education system is in Finland. Compulsory education for all starts at the age of 7 with one year of preschool. Although the country has a national core curriculum that every school follows; timetabling and delivery are done by the school teachers and educational institutes. One distinct feature of Finland’s education system is that there is no selection of students based on formal testing or any kind of national examination at any point. It was only done in higher education until matriculation. Almost 30% of students in Finland receive a form of special assistance when they initially start their studies. The teacher’s attitude and culture are fully based on identifying and helping struggling students and do whatever it takes to support them.
Singapore
Another country that stands strong as the best education system in the world is Singapore. The curriculum consists of preschool (3–6), compulsory primary education to all students (6–12), secondary education (12–17), and higher or tertiary education. At the end of their primary schooling, every child has to take a competitive exam called Primary School Leaving Examination that is very ambitious which decides the allocation of secondary school for the child.
Classrooms in Singapore are super centralized. Schools strictly follow a national curriculum where there is no room for discussion-based classes. Teachers are the main key source of information and knowledge, and students are strongly advised to learn by listening properly.
Japan
The Japanese education system is of national importance and pride. This reflects on the grades and education where they are held with high rewards. The foundation of Japanese education lies in order and discipline. The school day-hours in Japan consist of 6 hours which is the longest in the entire world. After school, the majority of students attend “juku” which is one-on-one private tutoring that prepares them for school examinations. The country is also ranked second in science and fifth in math on the 2015 PISA. And it surpasses the PISA average in all subjects included.
China
The Chinese education system emphasises memorisation and learning by the drill. They strongly lean on the retention of facts. This is exhibited in the gaokao which is the university admission exam. Gaokao entirely depends on your memorising and repetition power. Analysis and critical thinking are not considered or tested.
Germany
All across the globe, we find different kinds of school uniforms right? Well, some believe that it makes the school population feel more united and contributes to a good spirit and belonging in the school. But just as often, it is noticed that uniforms of particular schools are offered in cheaper quality for poorer families.
German schools are strongly opposed to uniforms. Uniforms in this country have a strong uncomfortable militaristic association.
Once the kid is six years old, they must attend school in Germany. Most German schools are tuition-free where they are run by the state and no fee is charged.
Australia
The education system in Australia is ranked 39 out of 41 in achieving high-quality education by the latest international report. It is based on pre-primary education which is non-compulsory but a mandatory primary and secondary education from age 6–19. After you complete secondary education, there is a tertiary education or higher education at universities and technical schools.
Final Thoughts
Despite the difference in education systems in different parts of the world. Many developing countries are continuously striving to improve and do better. Culture, educational training, government, immigration, and many other factors play an important role in this.
This social institution holds a lot of value when it comes to the country’s development. The more educated and literate the crowd is, the more they can innovate, conquer and bring change to their own country and the world.
