<p>thank all of you for telling me so many things .
I have to declare that i have no prejudice to Americans.I just want to know something about American education .</p>
<p>i tot the op was just asking about how american schools and students are really like, since he was 'suspecting' that those generalizations he heard is not true..</p>
<p>i dont even understand how it developed into such a topic o.o'</p>
<p>Though it doesn't have a Bill of Rights, China does have a Constitution which lists such rights as freedom of speech and press as "guaranteed." They just don't use it. (search for it on Google if you don't believe me)</p>
<p>The differences in school systems just stem from the fact that the cultures are incredibly different. China is collectivist, America individualist. China is steeped in Confucianism and their emphasis on respect for authority - for teachers and especially for parents (they even have a special name for it - filial piety). America is incredibly individualistic, and as it began with a "revolution" places a lot of emphasis on innovation and challenging the status quo if you're not satisfied. They are pros and cons to each, but no one can deny China is quickly catching up to the United States - one professor for a Globalization lecture my parents listened to at Stanford said she woke up every morning scared, repeating to herself, "China! China! They're coming!" And I can't really deny the fact that the American education is probably more valuable in that it doesn't just teach you knowledge but also necessary "people skills" like negotiation and such which are every bit as important, if not more, than academic ability. (And this probably includes dealing with the type of people who would put their feet on desks - this isn't "common" it's just something that the "rebels" or "clowns" would do in class...)</p>
<p>OP: Hangzhou is definitely the most beautiful city in China. I walked around part of the West Lake this past summer and told my parents that if I were to ever live in China, I'd live in Hangzhou. :)</p>
<p>the cultures are different. thats the end of it.</p>
<p>an american student would not fit in in China, and would be considered just as much a "FoB" there as a Chinese student here.</p>
<p>Do Chinese students play Kancho?</p>
<p>Nerj: that's what i was thinking..</p>
<p>haha.. considered FoB.. or more like "bai ren bai ren!" k sorry.</p>
<p>I have the honor of living in both places for several years. Therefore, I am knowledgeable of both sides. Indeed as people stated already, China and America are quite different in their educational system.</p>
<p>I had lived in China for ten years before coming to America. Yes, I am Chinese American, a citizen too. I only attended up to third grade in China, therefore, I can't say I truly understand how Chinese education system works. However one thing for sure is that they put a lot emphasis on Language Sklls, Math and Science. When I was in China, my mom was satisfied if I got 90 or above. If I got lower than 90, I would be whipped. With such a strict discipline, it made me always to strive for the best grade in the class. That's why my average for Language, Math and Science was 97 above. Because I put so much emphasis on these three subjects, I pretty much disregarded the rest. My mom didn't care what I got on the rest as long I got good grade on these three areas. </p>
<p>Also, we had six school days rather than five in America. I don't think that was bad. Every morning, my teacher would give us 15 minutes of self reading out loud. You can hear the cacophony from a distance away. I always finished reading the textbook before my teachers finished teaching them. Every morning, I would wake up one hour early(the school started at 7 o' clock in China) just to read the textbooks. I wanted to embedded those stories deep into my heart. </p>
<p>Many Americans typically associate physical punishment with Chinese Education. I totally agree. No physical punishment was without a cause. The key principle is discipline. I saw my peers getting those punishments for misconduct such as fighting. Luckily for me, I never did get those 'good" stuff. </p>
<p>Now, lets talk about America. Remember what I mention here is not generalization, rather of my own experience.</p>
<p>As far as resource is concerned, America is better than China. In my neighborhood, I could just go a few blocks and get some books from the Library, which I couldn't do so in China. Moreover, I don't need to pay money to attend Elementary, Middle and High School in America. That's really good. </p>
<p>I only have the authority to talk about High school aspects in America because that's the first time I was in the same class with Americans. For the first three years, I spent my time in ESL with other Chinese, trying to assimilate American culture.</p>
<p>One thing for sure, American students are very...hmm..daring. If they are mad with the teacher, they would just leave the room without permission. The teacher is powerless in dealing with bad students. All they can do is call the office and their parents and write Referals. Furthermore, students really really like to talk about s..t, especially bull...t. </p>
<p>Like many of you stated before, I think American teachers like to do group activites and open discusion. I rarely input any of my ideas. Why? I am afraid that they would think I am so sort of cummunist kid. Oftenly, I find their thought to be incompetent. However, I never laughed at them, just smirk within. Some of the group activities helped me, but most of them, I believe, are just nonsense, a waste of time. I know the teachers are doing for the benefits of the class. However, I am leaning more to the dark side of my mind in which I believe they are doing these activities just to fill their time. </p>
<p>Saying American students are lazy would be an overstatement. The majority of them are, but there are a lot who aren't. One thing I learned from my classmates, even in Ap classes, that they really like to procrastinate to the last minute. Unfortunately, I found myself somehow adopted this bad habbit. In China, I always finished my projects, assignments and etc way early before they were due. I have Americanized.</p>
<p>I don't know about you, but I personally find classes in school to be very slow and shallow in their teaching. I have had only one teacher,among 20 plus, who is very dedicated to teaching and would use every minute of the class to teach his students. He is my current AP Biology teacher. A lot of my teachers let the students run free when they finish their objective of the day, which is like one or two short chapters. Also, teachers give a lot of time to the students for doing exercises. I find this scenario most common in Math classes. From my perspective, the students are not hurrying, rather they take their time very slowly. In China, students were pushed to do things fast and accurate. It is different in America. Also, American students rely too much on Calculator. Doing problems in your brain or on the paper sometimes are faster than doing them on calculator. </p>
<p>Now coming to the aspects of entertainment, I have to agree that I am ignorant compared to other students. Movies, videos, sports,and news about stars, to me, are pointless. They have no didactic measures. The more you are into these things, the more your grade will suffer. Don't get me wrong. I do play games and watch movies sometimes, when I am free of my work. American students are more into these things than Chinese students.</p>
<p>There is one more thing I like to address that is American girls are way better dresser than Chinese girls. I bet you have seen alot of girls in your school with a lot of makeup. They would go get their hair done, nails pulished, high heel shoes nailed, and skin tanned. Not a lot of Chinese girls do those things. They are very conservative. </p>
<p>In conclusion, each side has their own unique qualities. Chinese students are exceptional at Math. My Calculus teacher told me that most of the high level Math courses she is taking right now are taught by Chinese. Also, they are motivated to strive for excellence by their peers, their teachers, and their parents even when they are small. As for America, teachers concentrate more on group activities, open discussion, which help students in expressing and socializing. Furthermore, they are more relax about learning.</p>
<p>Solemn Hermit, I understand your frustrations with some other students and your teachers. However, I don't think that your teachers run seminar classes to waste time or because they are lazy. Many times, it is the most appropriate way of analyzing course material.</p>
<p>I personally have found seminars to be absolutely invaluable. I believe many other students feel this way, too. I am more prepared for a seminar than a lecture because I am expected to deliver original and well-founded insight. Analyzing and thinking critically about the course material on a regular basis makes writing papers and essay examinations much easier; I have essentially been preparing for each since the first day of the semester. </p>
<p>I consistently earn better grades in seminars not because they are easier, but because they demand more of me as a student and I must rise to those expectations. It is a more demanding way of learning, and a more exciting one, too. It is also very good preparation for university, as virtually every university requires its students to take seminar courses.</p>
<p>Solemn Hermit,how long haven't you come back to China ?</p>
<p>I go to a high school that is a merge of Chinese and American culture. The students are hybrids while most of the teachers are American. Classes are a good mix of dictatorship lecturing and seminar style sessions. I find the seminars more interesting when everyone is giving some form of input, although sometimes it is very obvious that the teacher only wants to pass on time without doing very much. For example in English class, I always talk and voice my opinions. In fact I find it easier to talk about random stuff and get a good grade instead of being tested on memorized information. Moreover if I don't talk, I fall asleep very quickly and it looks bad. Even remotely showing that you are bored is disrespectful in Chinese culture, such as cupping your face in your hands on your desk. But American teachers don't really care. They think this is normal teenage behavior.</p>
<p>Thus while we have the best of the East and West, we also have values placed on us that sometimes conflict with each other. With Chinese parents, the value of pushing ourselves to the very best is expected. When each new homework or project is assigned, we automatically aim for the A+ and have the drive to achieve that. The good thing about American schools is that you can choose to be a stellar student or a slacker. You will face the consequences later. In a way, it's between choosing whether to face 'hardship' in working hard early in life or later on in life when you have to catch up with everyone else. In American culture, teachers place a heavy emphasis on the process of learning. My chemistry teacher pinpoints my strengths and weaknesses in learning and guides me to the right direction instead of throwing more textbook problems at me. Also when the grades come in, American teachers are oblivious to the consequences of getting a bad grade in a Chinese family. They view a C+ as slightly below average, but salvageable. But once you show it to a Chinese parent, they blow through the roof and typically cane you for shaming the entire family, how you are a worthless piece of ****, that your future is hopeless, etc. Thus, when students bargain with teachers about grades, the teachers don't understand. I have seen many friends cry in front of the merciless teacher over this. It sucks, sure, but that's life. </p>
<p>American students are very individualized and are not afraid to express their differences and opinions. This can be seen as a very haughty attitude in the eyes of people who place community and your own role in the community first. In this aspect, it is more beneficial to have your own opinions and have the guts to stand by them. For later in life, your ability to express yourself is crucial to any advancements in your career. In Chinese culture, the younger generation is expected to keep quiet and shut up 24/7 and listen to their elders since they have more experience. This can be a shock when in university an American professor asks 'what's your opinion on this matter?' and you're speechless and then get an F.</p>
<p>I still feel like a FOB after writing this.</p>
<p>Pip-Pip, I see your point. Seminars are helpful in many aspects. They are mainly for English or the like. As for me, I am more concerned Math. At the age of 17, I should be learning harder Math than just Calculus if I were in China. I know a lot of Chinese find math in America is easy compared to what they did in China. It just not deep enough.</p>
<p>To answer Stellar_Jiang's question.
It has been almost seven years since I left China. I never had the opportunity to go back to China just for a fun trip. However next year, my brother and I are going back to China. Yay!</p>
<p>To Neonwarp's response.
I like how you explained the situation. As for the grade, my mom used to be very strict about getting A+ in China. However when we moved to America, she has changed a lot. She is more concerned about my health than my grade. I would be really depressed if I get B or C. But my mom is like,"your health is more important than your grade." Gradually, I started to loose up. Of course, my grade dropped. Not straight A student, just A and B student. I don't know about begging the teachers to give them good grade. I know I never did that in my life. You earn what you have. If your grade sucks, it is your fault. Study hard next time!</p>
<p>I love how a number of people have said, "Well, in Asia..." when they really just mean, "Well, in China..."</p>
<p>UCLAri, that is so true! I have friends from all over and the most depressing thing is that my Korean friends are constantly "Chinese" and then my Chinese friends and called "Japanese"!</p>
<p>I mean, I don't mean to burst bubbles, but the strictness that I'm reading here is not nearly as prevalent in Japan. </p>
<p>But I'll tell you guys something: Japanese schoolkids could out-bow ANY of us. Seriously. </p>
<p>geniusgen,</p>
<p>In Chinatown, my Chinese-American girlfriend gets pegged for being Korean. In Koreatown, most Koreans think she's Chinese. In Japan, all the Japanese thought/hoped she was Japanese when we were together.</p>
<p>It always made us laugh how some poor Japanese salesperson would come up to us, immediately talk to her, and get the reply in broken Japanese, "Umm...I...umm...no Japanese." Then I'd launch into fluent Japanese, only to have them continue to look at her in pure bewilderment.</p>
<p>But still, they thought she was Japanese.</p>
<p>From what I've been told by my chinese(china, taiwan, hong kong) friends there is rampant cheating. That is one thing that ****es me off, they have no shame in cheating. A lot of times the chinese teachers would turn a blind eye. When they come to America they would all cheat together while people like me put in the time and effort to learn the course material. A few years ago the computerized GRE tests were suspended because of rampant cheating in asia. My gf(who is chinese) tells me there are people faking their grades and resumes to boost their chances in coming to US grad schools. I know there is cheating in the american system but its not nearly as bad. Plus in American culture cheating is greatly frowned upon. Intellectual property is a major issue in china because they have no shame in stealing other people's ideas, its in their culture. Its not only china but also other asian countries.</p>
<p>My kids get smacked for cheating.</p>
<p>We used to get 20 points off on a test for cheating :/</p>
<p>It is always a 0 if you cheat at my school...</p>
<p>
[quote]
We used to get 20 points off on a test for cheating :/
[/quote]
In my school, if you were to cheat, not only would you fail the class, but you would probably be suspended from school.</p>
<p>Both styles of education differ, but the end result is the same: Both American scientists and Chinese scientists create vaccines, both American writers and Chinese writers create bestsellers (though the latter might be censored), both American businessmen and Chinese businessmen profit and merge. So the means lead to the same ends.</p>
<p>--Arab-American in Ohio.</p>
<p>what? only 20 points? we just get a fat zero hahaha idon't think i've ever met a teacher that would take 20 points off for cheating.. my friend got caught cheating and was given a failing grade for the quarter.. still unbelieve 20 points only that's like a reward haha and about the cheating.. i have heard different( well about exams) my friend from hong kong said it's nearly impossible to cheating during exams.. you can't hide stuff under your sleeves cause everyone wears short sleeve button ups and you canlook at osmeone elses paper because they pull out desk adn line them against the wall.. and for one exam there will bel ike 4 teachers proctoring.. but i have to say my friends that are from tw, china, hk .. once they got over here are obsessed with cheating. THey think the americanschool system is so easy that they just slack off and cheat, but iono guess it's their lost. There was this one kid from China at my school who on several occassions rambled about how easy american education was and how he could easily get into universities (top ones at that) without trying. He was the best math and science student and school, but got rejected to all the schools he applied and ended up at community college. ( not that it's bad at all)</p>