Recently five Chinese teachers were invited to teach a group of British teenagers, using Chinese teaching methods. It has caused a great discussion in China and in many countries of the West. What can educators learn from each other? Forum (论坛) readers share their opinions.
Ted M (UK)
Students in China are raised to study for long hours, with great expectations (期望) and demands. Yet they have little social life and there is no encouragement for joy of lifelong learning. In the West, students are taught to enjoy learning, questioning, active learning and problem solving. They have a broad and balanced education, including social learning.
Leonard Wong (Singapore)
The Chinese language requires rote learning. It seems boring, but it trains the mind to focus (关注) on what is important and good study habits. These habits offer them a lot even at a later age. More could be done to encourage children to express their opinions about the things they meet.
Michael M (US)
My personal belief is that the biggest advantages (优势) of Chinese secondary education are:
1.Longer hours at school.
2.Filled with challenges.
3.Students are expected higher.
4.More lecture-based lessons. This is great preparation for college.
TAL123 (China)
If I had a child, I think I’d consider Chinese education for part of their learning. I think the middle school years are a good time for them to develop strong basic skills in maths, reading and memory, etc., that the Chinese system teaches well. But children need the freedom to explore, express, inquire and understand. In my view, the chief weakness in China’s system is that students usually can’t do things by themselves. Students do not become good learners, they only become good test takers.
Different people have different opinions on what is right and wrong with teaching and learning. Each country has its own unique (独特的) educational culture that is a product of years, centuries of experiment and practice, and which reflects (反映) the traditional values of its society.
Education: Learning from each other |
Different 76 | Person | Chinese Education | 77 Education |
Ted M | Study for long hours with little social life. Don’t 78 more about lifelong learning. | Enjoy learning actively and solving 79 . Have a broad and balanced education. |
Leonard Wong | Train the mind to focus on things of great 80 and good study habits. | Children are encouraged to 81 their ideas. |
Michael M | Full of 82 . Be expected higher. | Less lecture-based lessons to 83 for college. |
TAL123 | Develop strong basic skills. Be good at 84 tests. | Do things 85 . |
Conclusion | Each country has its own educational culture. Just as the saying goes, “Those that suit you are the best.” |