Korean primary and secondary school students placed in the top class in a global comparison of academic achievements in mathematics and science. Their outstanding performance in the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, released this week, should have made their teachers and parents proud of them. But the sense of pride was replaced by a deep concern about other findings in the study, which showed that their interest and confidence in these subjects remained at the bottom among students across the world.

Korea’s elementary school students aged 8-9 ranked top and second in science and mathematics, respectively, among the 50 countries subject to the comparison study conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Its middle school students aged 13-14 placed first in mathematics on the list of 42 nations and third in science among 26 states.

In stark contrast to such high academic achievements, they showed little interest and lacked confidence about their ability in the subjects. The proportions of Korean primary school students who liked or had confidence in mathematics remained at 23 percent and 11 percent, respectively, placing the lowest and 49th among the 50 countries. Their confidence and interest in science were also at the bottom, each ranking 50th and 48th. The country’s middle school students showed a similar tendency.

The extreme gap between high achievement and low enthusiasm appears to indicate that many Korean students are made to study the subjects under pressure from their teachers and parents, rather than being self-motivated to learn them. It may also be considered, as some critics note, to testify to the limit of the excessively competitive educational system in the country.

But it would be an overreaction to argue for scrapping the current curriculum and teaching methods. What may be needed is to work out ways to encourage students to be more curious and self-motivated, properly easing their workload, if necessary.

Their outstanding scores in the global comparison test can be attributed to policies on providing differentiated lessons tailored to the students’ levels, teachers’ high level of professionalism as well as parents’ fervor for their children’s education.

On top of these efforts, a serious consideration should now be given to how to lead students to have more curiosity and passion toward mathematics and science. Encouraging self-motivation is crucial for studying the subjects efficiently over the long term, which forms the foundation for becoming top-class scientists and engineers who will contribute to enhancing the country’s international competitiveness. Korea could be more assured of its prosperous future when more of its young students come to have a true interest in the key basic subjects, not just outscoring their peers around the world.