North Korea

Aspects That North Korea Does Better: Universal Access: North Korea provides free and compulsory education for all children, ensuring broad participation in the educational system. Integrated Ideological Education: While controversial, North Korea's integration of ideological education ensures a cohesive national identity and loyalty to the state from an early age.

North Korea

Samantha Acosta

Standout Educational Features: Compulsory and Free Education: North Korea offers 12 years of compulsory and free education, starting at age 5, including preschool, primary, and secondary education. Emphasis on Juche Ideology: The curriculum integrates the Juche ideology, labor party policies, and revolutionary traditions, instilling absolute loyalty to the state and its leaders. Idolization Propaganda: From nursery to university, students are taught about the greatness of the "3 Generations of Baekdu Mountain’s Leaders," fostering a sense of reverence towards the Kim family.

Similarities/Differences to US Early Childhood EducationSimilarities: - Both countries offer compulsory education starting at an early age. - Emphasis on foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy. Differences: - North Korea's education system is heavily politicized, with a strong emphasis on ideological indoctrination and loyalty to the regime. - Limited freedom of thought and expression in North Korean education compared to the more open and diverse approach in the US.

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Impressions My research into the North Korean education system has revealed a stark contrast to educational practices in the US. While North Korea prioritizes ideological indoctrination and loyalty to the regime, it also ensures universal access to education. However, the heavy politicization of education raises concerns about individual freedom and critical thinking.

References Education system in North Korea - NGO. PSCORE. (2023, June 7). http://pscore.org/life-north-korea/forced-to-hate/ Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/North-Korea/489860#:~:text=In%20North%20Korea%20education%20is,to%20six%20years%20in%20length. ‌ ‌‌