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Some companies and individuals spread rumours that winning competitions can help students get into better higher education and bank on anxiety (of students and parents) to make money, which can add to the burden on students and harm their physical and mental health. These companies and individuals are also suspected of fraud.
----The Ministry of Education
/ An easy and lucrative business /
In recent years, illegal student competitions, often marketed as a fast lane to top higher education, have become a major concern for education regulators in China, luring parents who are keen on making their children more competitive in the admission process.
These illegal competitions not only cause students to sacrifice much-needed rest and relaxation but also create massive financial burdens on parents who must pay substantial fees for their children to participate. In some cases, competition organisers can make up to 9 million RMB in profit.
/ Regulations in motion /
The Chinese government, through the Ministry of Education and other relevant departments, has taken steps to crack down on illegal competitions and regulate the tutoring industry by shutting down fraudulent online maths competitions, raiding illegal entrance exams, and releasing an official list of 44 legal student competitions which are required to be non-profit, have a fair grading system overseen by third parties, and cannot be used for admission purposes.
/ The larger issue /
Regulation is only part of the solution. The larger issue of the excessive academic burden placed on students must also be addressed. When competitions are viewed solely as means of gaining admission, they can become highly competitive and stressful environments where cheating and unethical behaviours prevail, whether they are legal or not.
The emphasis on academic achievement has overtaken the value of education and personal growth, and it is time to reconsider whether this cutthroat environment is indeed the way forward.
/ The double reduction policy /
Tightening regulations on any format of after-school training has stopped surprising people. However, one and half years on, while much of private education has been hard hit by the policy, how much burden and anxiety has it actually relieved students?
In our January issue of News Summary, we have looked at everything double-reduction-related in the past month along with other prevailing trends educators, schools, universities and organisations should be aware of.
Click "Read more" to learn more about it and our work.
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