Superintendent Ahn Minseok Hears Local Education Concerns in Gunpo and Uiwang: "Shift to Discussion- and Critical Thinking-Centered Education"

Gyeonggi Province Superintendent of Education Ahn Minseok emphasized, “We must move away from outdated education focused on rote instruction and memorization and shift to an approach that encourages discussion and independent thinking.” On October 13, Superintendent Ahn held town hall meetings as part of his “Traveling Superintendent’s Office” program in Gunpo and Uiwang, where he discussed local education issues with parents.

At the Uiwang town hall meeting, key topics included safety and transportation for students commuting to and from school, addressing overcrowded classes, separating and establishing integrated support offices, career education in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), and linking career and college pathways through IB education.

Gyeonggi Provincial Superintendent of Education An Minseok attends a town hall meeting in Gunpo City on the 13th as part of his visiting superintendent's office initiative and poses for a commemorative photo. Photo provided by the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education.

Regarding smartphone use, Superintendent Ahn called on parents to show interest and take action so that Gyeonggi Province’s “Phone-Free School” initiative can extend into the home through “Phone-Free Home.”

At the Gunpo town hall meeting, participants held a question-and-answer session on safety and transportation for students commuting to and from school, self-directed learning centers, expanding RAS education, supporting parent RAS clubs, eliminating teachers’ administrative workload, and continuing IB education.

On measures to improve safety for students commuting to and from school, Superintendent Ahn said, “We can address the issue by introducing services such as safe Edu-Buses and Walking School programs through ‘wall-breaking,’ with the city and the education office each covering half the cost.”

About 150 people attended each event in Gunpo and Uiwang, including parents, school principals, and representatives of local organizations and institutions. Superintendent Ahn heard their views firsthand through a direct question-and-answer format. The events also featured a runway promoting a major shift in school uniform culture toward comfortable uniforms, as well as activities such as following along with RAS clapping.

The Traveling Superintendent’s Office is a forum where Superintendent Ahn visits all 31 cities and counties in the province to discuss local education issues, putting into practice “Gyomunhyeondap”—the idea that answers to education problems can be found in the field. Superintendent Ahn will also hold town hall meetings in Hanam and Gwangju on October 15 to discuss Gyeonggi’s education issues with local parents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.