Israel possesses one of the most successful education systems in the world; experience a firsthand look through the eyes of an Israeli student Dana Linetsky.
Israel has one of the highest graduation rates in the world at a staggering 92%- far higher than the United States average of 83%- and produces some of the most influential leaders and innovators around the globe. Israeli students undergo rigorous curriculum and testing in order ensure the next generation is able to maintain Israel's status as innovators of the world.
Israeli student and former Providence Day exchange student Dana Linetsky was asked a series of questions about her school life. Her responses give a glimpse into the life of an Israeli student.
How does the school day in Israel compare to your experience in US? Can you describe the Israeli experience?
“I think it is pretty much the same. We start the day at 8 am and finish around 3 pm; we have a weekly set of hours, we have to attend all the classes, and there are breaks between every lesson. I think that the nicest thing that I remember from my visit is that you all eat together at the cafeteria during a long break and you can choose what to eat from many different types of food. In Israel, every student brings food from home and eats it whenever he likes to. In addition, our cafeteria is much smaller and there is especially junk food.”
“There are free tutors in the school to help students who find classes difficult. Private tutors costs a lot of money so it allows students to succeed in school without having to pay money for it. There are lessons that talk about the situation in Israel, and this raises discussions that are instructive.
What would you say the best aspect of the Israeli school system is?
“Previously, our final exams were throughout the 3 years of high school, so when we finished one subject we could focus in another and now it is only during the last 2 years of school. It creates emotional stress, and we have to study a lot of material in a short time. To add to that, many other activities in and outside of school creates a lot of load on students.”
What would you say the worst aspect is?
“Depends on the type of the teacher. I had teachers that did not believe in giving homework, but I had also teachers that gave a lot of homework. They thought it is the only thing that will help us to learn the material. My English, Math, and Biology teachers loved that system unfortunately.
What is homework like? Is there a lot?
“Students who are active after school hours are those who have difficulty in high school. You have to maneuver between studies and all other activities. I personally was in a youth movement and danced after school hours, so I was busy at least four days a week at most. That is why sometimes we feel like we do not have enough time to do everything. Therefore, students who fail to manage their time well do not withstand the pressure and decide to stop doing a certain activity which can affect their studies.”
What is the main stressor in the lives of an Israeli student?
“Every student who wants to graduate with a high school diploma has to take final exams in the subjects they learn. There is a lot of material to learn and memorize that is why it is sometimes stressful. Students can lose the will to learn. In addition, we do a psychometric test a couple years after high school to get into university. Every Israeli must pass the test to continue his studies.”
Are you required to take standardized tests? And If so what’s that like?
“The mandatory curriculum is the same at every high school. We have to study the Bible, Hebrew language, English, Literature, Math, History and Sports. In addition, each student must choose two other subjects like Biology, Computers, Theater, and more. I studied Biology and Biotechnology. Most of the mandatory subjects are taught in elementary school and only become more detailed over the years. I can say that they are the most annoying professions in high school because not everyone likes them.”
What is the mandatory curriculum like?
“Terrorist incidents can happen in any city in Israel. There is always a risk that a terrorist will break into the school and do something. There are always guards at the entrances of schools and people are very alert to what is happening. In my area it has never been a cause for concern, and even in areas where such cases are suspected, they try to continue the routine as usual. People outside of Israel think that we are always in a state of war, but that is not true. Such events are stopped on time or do not happen at all. The cases we hear about in the news are one-time cases that we can not stop.”
Do you ever have to worry about threats of terror at school?
“Our schools are smaller than yours and you progress more. But our education is no different from yours, the teachers invest in their students overtime and no student is left behind. There are things we can borrow from you such as the activities that follow their studies (running and swimming team). However, Israeli students society is always good and there is much to learn in our high schools. We do not have to complain about everything we get in return.”
Is there anything else you want to describe about Israeli schools compared to your experience at PDS?
Israel education
By Adam Gerber
Image courtesy of creative commons licence CC0. No attribution required
Israel's unique environment gives students both an urban and rural education experience.
Image courtesy of Dana Linetsky.
Image courtesy of Dana Linetsky.
Image courtesy of Dana Linetsky.
Dana is a bright student who enjoys time with friends.
Dana and other Israeli exchange students exploring uptown Charlotte.
Israeli students exchange goodbyes as they prepare to head to the airport.
"Every year, there is an annual trip somewhere else in the country and it is always refreshing to see beautiful places in our country. “
It is very easy to lose concentration in a sea of material.
The situation in Israel is very dynamic, and such incidents cannot stop our daily routine, otherwise the entire country will collapse.
FEATURES
The Charger, December 2017
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