Though I am still having the intensive English course in CELC, I have already noticed some differences between Chinese and Western education.
From my point of view, Chinese education is more knowledge-oriented, meaning that teachers constantly focus on the importance of memorizing and applying knowledge to solving given problems and questions. Thus, a cramming method of teaching is usually adopted by high schools, even universities. As a result, some students may be so bored that they lose interest in study completely while some manage to acquire systematic knowledge of science or other subject.
On contrast, the western education is curiosity-oriented. From my own observation, western students tend to ask more questions and explore the subjects more actively compared with Chinese students. The outcome originates from the early education students receive. As more emphasis is put on raising questions, Western students are encouraged to exploit their curiosity of various kinds of subjects by themselves. Because of this, some Western students lack consolidated knowledge of a certain subject at an early stage.
It is obvious that the standards of requirement of knowledge set for Western students are comparatively low whereas students’ talents and curiosity are better exploited by teachers. In this sense, Chinese students may be more competent in getting higher marks in tests or exams (This can partially explain why some students from China do very well in international Olympic math competitions). Nevertheless, when they reach the level of PhD, it seems that it is harder for Chinese scholars to make more achievements. Ironically, many of them go overseas to broaden their horizon and seek triggers for innovation, among which we can find some successful examples like Yang Zhenning.
I consider it bliss to have the opportunity to receive tertiary education here in Singapore for the coming four years. It enables me to find more about the strengths and weakness in both Chinese and Western education system. Hopefully, I will be able to combine them in order to adapt to my own situation.
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Both systems of education have the pros and cons. I agree with you that you are indeed fortunate to be given the opportunity to experience a different form of education. Enjoy it and make sure you become a lifelong learner.
ReplyDeleteIt is really hard to say which edication system is better. Every Chinese student going abroad to go on their study seems to be extremely angry with the education system in China. But for most of us, we can't adadpt to the western education system immediatly and maybe never can be totally a part of it. It is already 17 years since the first wave's students came Singapore and during the past 17 years many of them have not got along well with the local people. So what I would like to express is that education system is based on the culture background in our country and it takes a long time for us to adapt to a new environment. We really could not say that we are lucky to come here and I think that time will tell everyone who is more fortunate.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.
ReplyDeleteActually, I did not think western education system is good until I met Ms Leo, though she sometimes criticized me. She could really see what I was weak at mentally, and give practical suggestion. Whie in my university in China, never could a teacher care so much about students's problem. We attended classes of 100 or so students and teachers cares only for their tasks. This is not better even in Tsinghua.
In addition,I do not think one can know what he has learned during a certain period of study. It is usually years later that one suddenly finds that what he has learned even amaze himself.
At last, quoting Ms Leo's words, we should focus on what the society need, while not what we think is important. Is it helpful to do a lot of difficult calculas when we can find the answers easily on the Internet? I think we should try to adapt to the new system and meet the new needs.