In July, 2021, China introduced the "double reduction (双减)" policy (政策). It hopes to reduce schoolwork burden (负担) on primary and junior high school students. After-school training institutions (校外培训机构) are not allowed to offer extra education courses or advanced (超前的) teaching on weekends or during vacations. How do students feel about this new policy?
"Our homework is clearly less than before," said 13-year-old Shen Yuzhe from Beijing. "Our teachers are also giving us more chances to do experiments (实验) and learn from real life. For example, we went to research earthworms (蚯蚓) in a field during a biology class. This is a much better way to learn things than just hitting the books."
For 13-year-old Zhang Hangming from Tianjin, the best thing about "double reduction" is the increased time in after-school activities. "We can now spend more time taking part in clubs and activities, I have joined a group called ‘leadership development' where I can learn all kinds of skills beyond schoolwork," said Zhang.
Both Shen and Zhang find there are fewer exams now. But they think it's not necessarily a good thing. "Exams push me to study harder. Each exam shows my progress as well as my weak points," Zhang said.
Shen also pointed out that when burden is lightened (减轻), self-discipline becomes the key. "Some students now spend more time having fun when homework is finished early. But if you use all the free time to relax, you might fall behind other students," he said.
