The Chinese Ministry of Education on March 27th just announced a new policy framework to reduce academic pressure, which prohibits schools from assigning excessive homework and violating students' rest time.
According to an announcement posted on the official WeChat platform, schools are prohibited from organizing regular tests with the aim of increasing the burden of learning. This regulation is part of an effort to adjust the educational approach, shifting away from the traditional concept that requires students to study at high intensity to achieve results.
Heavy exercises have long been common in many schools in China, believed to be the cause of sleep deprivation, increased anxiety and depression. The new policy emphasizes the requirement to strictly control the total exercise volume, while ensuring that primary and secondary school students have at least two hours of physical activity each day.
For preschool levels, management agencies strictly prohibit the application of primary school teaching methods or pre-program teaching. Primary and secondary schools are also not allowed to organize exams for the purpose of selecting students, nor are they allowed to reward or discipline teachers based on promoting the achievements of students who achieve high scores in the university entrance exam.
The policy also requires schools not to take advantage of break time or prohibit students from leaving class during this time. This is considered a step to ensure a balance between studying and resting.
The move was made after China announced the addition of spring and autumn holidays in the school year, in addition to the traditional summer and winter holidays. Some educational institutions have implemented creative activities during the holidays, such as an aviation vocational college in Sichuan organizing spring holidays with the theme of encouraging students to enjoy nature and experience life.
The Chinese government expects these measures to contribute to improving students' overall health, while promoting positive changes in society.
