Graduation Gowns: Collective vs. Individual

A few weeks ago my friend Nena, who works at a high school here, invited me to go to the graduation with her. It was fun to compare the differences between the Russian and American ceremonies (and really, school systems).

Similarities:
-The head of the school said a few words along with some well respected, “seasoned” staff, the top students and a well-to-do alumnus

-Diplomas where given

-Parents and family came to watch

-There were lots of pictures

Differences:
-There were no caps and gowns – well at least not the “gowns” we have. These girls went ALL OUT! I think the hair dressers in town were busy that morning! One of our Russian language teachers said that it is a very expensive event for parents of graduating girls! Nena said it was “terrible” if anyone showed up in the same dress as another girl!

-Their diplomas have all of their grades printed in them (more like a transcript or report card)

-Other than the differing dresses, everything else steered away from individuality and toward collectivity. Here’s what I mean:

Graduates did not come across the stage one at a time but with their class group. In the Russian school system you go to all the same classes with the same 15-25 people from 1st grade until 11th grade. Maybe half girls and half guys or maybe (like one class at the graduation) 2 girls and 17 boys. You are expected to work together. You are identified as a whole, collectively; either in a good class or a bad, athletic or smart, active or uncooperative etc. etc. As each class was presented their diplomas a staff worker briefly talked about the class; for example, “Class 11-8 was the brightest, smartest class. Two students from this group got perfect scores on portions of the ЕГЭ*.” Or, “Class 11-13 didn’t work well together and had problems. But we hope they do better in college.” (No, I am not kidding!)

This was a good eye opener for me and a reminder of what being a student at the Tuvan State University is going to look like. The same class system is used at the universities – there are no such things as “electives” in the Russian education system. I will be the first to admit that I like to study and work alone – so this “class” thing is going to be a challenge!

*ЕГЭ is the Russian version of the SAT or ACT. This test is brand new to the Russian education system and is very controversial. Prior to this year, students received scholarships and were allowed to enter a university by writing essays, making presentations and having interviews. In the government’s attempt to make their school system more compatible with that of the west, the old system was done away with and universities are forced to use the testing method (except for the elite, Moscow State University which gets to continue under the old system). Most feel that the test is impersonal and even in accurate (teachers are suspected of helping their students cheat on the test).