The '2022 revised curriculum', which will be implemented step by step starting with the first and second grades of elementary school in 2024, has been finalized. With the introduction of credit-based curriculum, reinforcement of software education, and the operation of school free time, major changes are expected in schools. On Dec 22nd, the Ministry of Education confirmed and announced the '2022 revised curriculum for elementary, middle and high schools and special schools' to nurture future talents with inclusion and creativity.

The Ministry of Education collected opinions through forums, public hearings, and national communication channels, and prepared the final draft by reflecting the modifications decided by the National Education Committee.

The main point of this curriculum revision is to enable credit-based elective high school curriculum. The current curriculum requires students to complete 204 units (2890 hours) over three years, based on 50-minute classes. Starting from 2025, students will need to complete 192 credits (2560 hours) over three years. One credit is equivalent to 16 classes and each class is 50 minutes.

Required credits for Korean, mathematics, English, social studies, and science are 84 points, and 90 points and 18 points are allocated for self-learning credits and creative experiential activities, respectively, considering the student's career and aptitude. The number of credits per subject is 4 credits (3 credits for physical education, art, and liberal arts), and one credit can be added or subtracted. However, the total number of credits for Korean, English, and mathematics subjects cannot exceed 81 points.

The university entrance system will also be restructured for the 2028 school year, when the current 6th graders of elementary school enter college. After the Yoon Suk Yeol government is founded, the Ministry of Education formed College Admissions Reform Advisory Committee and started to collect opinions. In the first half of next year, the draft revision plan will be reported to the National Education Commission and announced in February 2024.

In addition, starting from 2024, elementary schools will increase the Korean language course hours by 34 hours for first and second grades to improve basic literacy. Safety education will be restructured as experiential and practical education while maintaining the existing 64 hours. With the introduction of school free time from the third year, it is possible to connect schools with the region or provide a unique subject.

In addition, digital information education will be strengthened in all grades of elementary, middle, and high schools. The course hours of information education will be increased to help students understand and utilize cutting-edge digital innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data.

Source: '디지털·창의 인재' 육성 위해 … 정보·국어 교육 늘린다(매일경제)