The author’s experiences led her to the conclusion that the principal factors responsible for Korea’s success in education included equity in educational opportunity for all students regardless of their socioeconomic background and extremely active parental involvement.
There is high academic rigor in Korean teacher-training programs followed by continuous teacher support and professional development and a research-based pedagogy that utilizes the best teaching practices.
However, the intensity of the education including after-school programs referred to as “hagwons” has pitfalls as it leaves little time for personal life outside of school for students or teachers.