A student made dozens of phone calls to report that their school was illegally providing extra classes during the holidays
A controversy has erupted following reports that some schools in Xi'an have provided extra tutoring classes during the recent double holiday period. The decision was made by individual schools due to the long duration of this year's holidays, with parents and students being left unprepared by a sudden notification that they would still be on vacation on May 5th and June 6th.
7 October 2023
A heated debate has ensued among Weibo netizens, with many expressing their anger and disbelief towards the schools' decision. Some argue that students should be allowed to rest during this time, highlighting the importance of taking breaks for mental health and preventing burnout. "With a group of sick psychological symptoms, take vacations and rest during holidays," one user wrote. "Don't let them get into Tsinghua or Peking University for those extra days of classes. It will be as it should be." Other Weibo users, however, have expressed support for the supplemental tutoring sessions, stating that job hunting is increasingly difficult and these extra classes are necessary to succeed.
The inflammatory remarks by netizens range from questioning the necessity of these supplementary classes to criticizing parents who complain about the additional workload on their children. "In China, the most ironic thing is anonymous reporting, which is definitely the biggest scam," one user wrote. Others have expressed frustration at the schools' charge for their supplementary courses, arguing that the main purpose of these classes is to make money rather than provide quality education.
One particular Weibo post has sparked further discussion by suggesting that students should be allowed to choose whether or not they want to attend these extra tutoring sessions. "Don't put the education board through trouble, don't put the schools through trouble, don't put the students through trouble," the user wrote. They argued that on holidays or vacations, students should have the freedom to either attend classes or enjoy their leisure time as they see fit.
The controversy has raised concerns about the intense competition and pressure faced by students in China today. Some users shared personal experiences of early morning reading sessions and long study hours for even primary school children. "My sister-in-law told me that my niece is on early morning reading at 6:10 and has to get up before 6 o'clock. She is only in the first grade," one user wrote. This sparked debates about whether schools have become overly competitive, with some users expressing concern for students' mental health.
The reactions from Weibo netizens reflect a broader societal issue of inequality within China's education system. Some users accused wealthy families of engaging in one-on-one tutoring, leaving those who cannot afford such services at a disadvantage. However, others countered by stating that students themselves are also highly competitive, emphasizing the need to excel academically in order to gain admission into prestigious universities like Tsinghua or Peking University.
In conclusion, this controversy highlights the complex balance between providing necessary academic support for students and maintaining their mental health during holidays. While some argue that extra classes are essential for success, others believe in the importance of rest and leisure time. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how schools and parents will navigate this tension moving forward.