English
School Hours
In the U.S., school typically starts between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and ends between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., about 30 minutes to an hour shorter than Korean elementary schools. Students attend school five days a week, from Monday to Friday, similar to Korea.
Subjects
Core subjects include English/language arts, math, science, and social studies, with special classes like art, music, physical education, technology, and reading. Classes last 45 to 60 minutes with a flexible schedule, unlike the fixed 45-minute classes and 10-minute breaks in Korean schools.
Break Time
Students have a 15- to 20-minute morning break and a 20- to 30-minute lunch break, with some schools offering an afternoon break. Korean elementary schools have set 10-minute breaks and a longer lunch break of about an hour.
Teaching Style
Classes focus on group activities and discussions, encouraging collaboration. Electronic instructional materials like tablets and smart boards are common. The teaching style values individual diversity, tailoring classes to each student's learning pace.
After-School Activities
A variety of clubs and sports are available, including music, science, and various sports.
Although Korean and American schools may seem similar in subjects taught, class hours, and after-school activities, their teaching methods differ significantly. The biggest challenge for Korean students studying in the U.S. is adapting to the discussion-based teaching method.
Korean students, accustomed to listening, taking notes, and memorizing, often struggle to adjust to American classrooms. In the U.S., students freely express opinions, discuss topics with peers, and engage in discussions with the teacher.
This could partly be due to language proficiency. You might think, "If I were good at English, I'd be good at presenting myself." This is partly true and partly false. Many students are good at English but still struggle with discussions.
To adapt to discussion-based classes, American children learn critical thinking skills from an early age. These skills are essential for participating in debates and discussions.
Critical Thinking: What is critical thinking ability?
Critical thinking isn't just about analyzing perspectives and accepting others' views. It's about evaluating arguments and constructing logical responses. In American culture, which values problem-solving and decision-making, developing critical thinking skills is essential.
Another valued skill in American society is communication.
Communication Skills: Why are they important?
Communication skills are vital in many areas of society. In school, students need to express their thoughts clearly and listen to others' opinions. Effective speaking is particularly valued in American society and schools, which emphasize leadership. Excellent speech skills are crucial for achieving good grades.
Discussion skills are important for learning teamwork, improving confidence, and understanding diverse cultural perspectives.
To gain admission to Ivy League or prestigious universities in the U.S., familiarity with American debate classes is crucial. Regular English classes in Asian schools often lack the cultural context of the United States.
At Nao Now, we've exclusively hired top American college teachers as mentors. Our tailored curriculum, which includes American culture, aims to help Korean students overcome these limitations.