The Adverse Effects of Taiwan’s 108 Curriculum on Teaching and Learning

 

The Adverse Effects of Taiwan’s 108 Curriculum on Teaching and Learning

Since its implementation in 2019, Taiwan’s 108 Curriculum, or New Curriculum, has sought to shift the focus of primary and secondary education from rote memorization to critical thinking and creativity. However, there are notable negative effects of this curriculum on teaching and learning that are important to address.

One adverse effect of the 108 Curriculum on teaching is the significant increase in teachers’ workload. The shift to a new pedagogical approach requires teachers to create more student-centered activities, engage in project-based learning, and facilitate more discussions, which require more planning and preparation time. With limited resources, teachers may feel overwhelmed, leading to a decline in their motivation and work satisfaction. This, in turn, could affect their ability to provide quality education to their students.

Another detrimental impact of the 108 Curriculum on teaching is the lack of opportunities for professional development for teachers. The implementation of the new curriculum expects teachers to adapt to a new pedagogical approach without sufficient training, leading to frustration and burnout among educators who may feel unprepared to teach under the new curriculum. The lack of training on the new approach may also lead to inconsistencies in the quality of education that students receive.

A third negative effect on teaching is the emphasis on assessments that could potentially shift the focus from teaching to testing. Teachers may feel pressured to prioritize test-taking strategies over deeper learning, leading to a reduction in the quality of education. Students may also become overly obsessed with grades, neglecting the learning process itself. Over-reliance on assessments could result in students learning only what is necessary to pass tests rather than mastering the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future endeavors.

In terms of learning, one potential negative impact of the 108 Curriculum is that students may feel overwhelmed by the emphasis on creativity and critical thinking. These skills require more engagement and effort, which can be stressful for students who are used to memorization and rote learning. The shift to a more student-centered and interactive approach to education may be too challenging for some students, leading to frustration and disengagement from the learning process. The fear of making mistakes or not being able to meet the expectations of the curriculum may discourage students from exploring their creativity and critical thinking skills.

The reduction in time devoted to core subjects is a second disastrous effect on learning. The new curriculum prioritizes interdisciplinary learning, which may result in less time for essential subjects such as English, math, physics, chemistry and biology. This can have the unintended consequence of reducing proficiency in these critical areas. While interdisciplinary learning can be effective, it is essential not to compromise the students’ proficiency in the core subjects that are essential to their future education and career opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to find a balance between interdisciplinary learning and maintaining the quality of education in core subjects.

Thirdly, the emergence of a skills gap between urban and rural students is another significant concern. The 108 Curriculum places a significant emphasis on technology and digital skills, which may be more accessible to urban students who have greater access to resources. This could lead to a further widening of the educational gap between urban and rural students, resulting in unequal access to educational opportunities. It is crucial to address this issue by providing equal access to resources and opportunities for students, regardless of their geographical location. 

In conclusion, while the 108 Curriculum represents a commendable effort to promote critical thinking and innovation, it is of paramount importance to address the adverse effects on teaching and learning to ensure the effectiveness of the new approach. It is crucial to find a balance between the new pedagogical approach and maintaining the quality of education in core subjects. Additionally, providing adequate training and professional development opportunities for teachers is essential to ensure their motivation and effectiveness in implementing the new curriculum. Finally, it is essential to address the potential for a skills gap between urban and rural students by providing equal access to resources and opportunities. By addressing these issues, Taiwan can ensure that the 108 Curriculum achieves its intended goals without compromising the quality of education in the country.