Can someone please tell me why I need to memorize the names of EDITORS of ancient works of literature for my exam? I mean, wouldn't it be easier for everyone if we were made to analyze an actual TEXT in the exam rather than remember the names of people who once read them? No I'm not bitter!!
The testing system here has some major issues. With its focus on rote memorization from primary school right on into tertiary education, a lot of people don't learn the skills necessary to actually understand what they're reading (speaking of literature here because that's what I'm studying).
What I see is a lot of students (not all of them) who hear what the teacher says, write it down, then repeat it word-for-word on the test. That's how to get 100% here. If you suggest a different way of viewing a text (as I have tried several times with zero success) the professor will tell you you're wrong and would you please sit down now. It was a shock the first time this happened to me, since I came from studying English Literature in Canada.
At York U we had a tutorial class once a week specially designed to debate the meaning of each text and to ask such questions. Nothing is set in stone except the grammar you use to express your ideas. In Canada it is possible to say "this author is not great, and I think he is a poor author because of A, B, and C". If your use of the language is correct, and your arguments supported by evidence, you will succeed. I received many A papers for the criticism I handed down to the supposed "canon" works of English literature back home. Once I even wrote an essay in strict rhymed verse and had my essay read by the professor in class praising my rhyme scheme. Here however, I have to memorize things if I want to graduate.
Anyways, I'm here to learn the language, not change the system or express myself. The pity is, this current way of doing things certainly doesn't lay the foundation for creativity, which is what China needs most right now. And it's definitely not going to be a pompous foreigner walking into a Chinese Literature class and pointing out problems with Chinese texts that changes things ---- that's the one thing that's going to harden everyone's view here of how great the texts are!
Picture: Inside a Chinese university classroom.
Chris
9 comments:
that is how the chinese education system is! that;s why lots of chinese students can get really good results in their exams but they can never create new knowledge! that's why iphone is not produced in china but the fake iphone appeared in the chinese market even earlier than the real iphone! that;s why chinese cars always look like some other brand cars! that's why chinese student always shy and dont want to give their ideas! because the education system makes us only know how to copy things! the chinese education system totally destroyed us! especially in a western university, when u sit in a classroom with both western guys and chinese guys, u can c they act really differently! chinese guys always get better exam results than other guys but they dont always outstanding in their jobs after they graduate from the uni! when a western student lean something, he can create something else by using what he learned. but when a chinese student learn something, he only know this thing!
by the way: i didnt find any hot chick in the picture!
hahaha It's not my class man, my class is of course 99% hot girls, otherwise I wouldn't accept it.
Came across your page cuz I saw your singing video on youtube. Good work!
I was educated in Hong Kong and the education system is the same. People call it the Peking-Duck style of education.(stuffing a duck..) Totally agree with what gao yi said; but this system is so entrenched, even since Han times...
When you guys go to Western universities, do you see anything you think should change?
You've been living in China for too long, mate. That's one of the heart problems you just spotted that was left from its ancient tradition.
The West has shown China a differnt education system which can result a much better creativity. China simply has to do better on its upcoming generations in order to compete on global stage.
I have known about this for a long time. Back in 1998 I mentioned to a Chinese friend that I wanted to be an Artist, She told me its a waste of time, it cant make money and only old people painted. Times have changed but I feel creativity is still lacking in Chinese culture today, look at when they were creative and invented everything (GUNPOWDER, KITES, COMPASS and many more) they were most powerful nation on the planet. Their education system are really holding them back.
wait till the middle aged and above generation in today's china passing away then there is hope...
I hate the current educational system in China now. You know there are lots of reasons lying behind.
I don't know which university you are studying in.
if you went to university more prestigious for their academic study like PKU, FDU, you MAY find things going in a better way.
Wish you success with your exams!
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