Learning Is a Journey, Not a Race: Reflections for Parents from Dutch and Jena Education
In Taiwan, it’s common to see schools proudly displaying “Top Score Boards” to highlight student achievements. But in the Netherlands, such rankings are rarely seen. Why? The difference goes beyond educational systems—it reflects a deeper choice of values.
Many Dutch schools are inspired by the Jena Plan, an educational philosophy that emphasizes respecting each child’s uniqueness and potential. Jena education doesn’t aim to produce a few elite students, but rather to allow every child to learn and grow at their own pace. This aligns closely with Dutch society’s emphasis on gelijkheid—equality: every person deserves respect, and every path in life has value.
As a result, Dutch schools avoid glorifying high scores or publishing rankings. This protects students from unnecessary pressure and discourages harmful comparisons. Instead, Jena education emphasizes collaboration over competition, and growth over comparison. Students learn in mixed-age groups, explore interdisciplinary themes, and develop critical thinking and communication skills through group discussions and inquiry-based learning.
Teachers focus not on the numbers on a report card, but on whether a child truly understands what they’ve learned and can apply it in real life. This mindset is reflected in many aspects of Dutch education:
✔ Grades are reference points—not definitions of a student’s worth
✔ Emphasis is on individualized development, not one-size-fits-all advancement
✔ Students’ privacy and dignity are respected; personal rankings are avoided
✔ Success means helping each child find their place—not showcasing the few who stand out
At the secondary level, Dutch students can choose between academic universities, universities of applied sciences, or vocational education, depending on their interests and strengths. All paths are equally respected by society, helping students thrive in roles that suit them best.
This educational philosophy reminds us: the goal of education is not to create winners, but to help children discover themselves, appreciate others, and gain the courage and ability to shape their future. In Taiwan, perhaps we can also begin to ask: Can we shift our attention from scores to growth? From competition to understanding?
When we stand in our children’s shoes, when we see their uniqueness with empathy, we can finally give them what they truly need—a journey of learning that is respectful, warm, and empowering.
That is what it really means to say, “It’s for the good of the child.