Education Around the World
C
arrying a hefty load of books and high expec-
tations, students in Indonesia face significant
pressure during their studies. From the age of
six or seven, students are introduced to rigo-
rous exams that determine whether they can advance
in their studies or repeat their current academic year.
While the majority usually passes their exams — with
only around 18% of Indonesian students having ever
repeated a grade , a great deal of stress is placed
on students. This stress continues to intensify as stu-
dents progress further in their studies.
Unlike America’s education system, Indonesia’s
stresses rote learning rather than a curriculum that
encourages critical thinking. In most classes – which
could range from thirty to fifty students — students are
passive, silently taking notes. Class discussions and
group activities are also uncommon, particularly in
32 | ZEALOUSNESS MAGAZINE | Winter / Spring 2017