The Ministry of Education recently held a public hearing on whether the basic materials for Chinese culture should become required reading starting the next academic year. Different opinions were raised over the issue. Supporters of the proposal said that the cultural studies are the core of Chinese culture, while opponents worry that they will bring extra academic burden on the students.

Tan Jiahua, a retired teacher of Chinese culture, was especially emotional at a public hearing held by the Ministry of Education over the draft outline of basic textbook of Chinese culture courses.

She was pleased that starting next year, high school students will have to choose four elective books on the course.

Hoping to continue the cultural education and increase student quality, Tan, a member of an alliance to promote Chinese culture, was highly supportive of the new policy.

However, several parents at the hearing expressed concern that students already face great pressure juggling time that goes into studying for different subjects.

A faculty member of the National Keelung Girl's Senior High School also pointed out that Taiwanese students spend over 33 hours each week on studies.

The teacher argued that this number already reaches the international maximum mark, and students should not be subjected to more pressure.

MOE members say that the new elective policy should have little effect on schools and study.

However, a few deans question where they will get new faculty members to teach these classes, and when student numbers decrease, where can these teachers go?

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