A Comparative Analysis of Teachers Workload Reduction Policy in South Korea and China -Focusing on Seoul and Beijing

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to analyze the teacher workload reduction policies in Seoul and Beijing, the capital cities of Korea and China, respectively, from a comparative perspective. [Method] The analysis criteria for this study are the purpose of the teacher workload reduction policy and the three main measures (reduction of official documents, school human resource management, and work restructuring). A comparative methodology was used to identify the similarities and differences between the policies of the two cities by collecting and analyzing data such as policy documents, newspaper articles, and cases in addition to references such as articles and books. [Results] Although there are some differences in the contents and aspects of the policies in Seoul and Beijing, due to their different resources and policy priorities, they share a common goal of reducing the administrative workload of teachers in order to make their work easier. Regulations to reduce official documents, reallocation of human resources, and designation of dedicated administrative departments were attempted as a means of reducing teacher workload. However, it was found that both cities were unable to overcome practices of administrative dominance that are deeply rooted in bureaucratic traditions. [Conclusion] It was found that both cities are promoting administrative work reduction policies to create an environment where teachers can focus on teaching, although the specific measures are different. Nevertheless, teachers in both cities do not feel that their workloads have been reduced, and policy implications for improvement have been drawn and presented.