One of the most striking differences between Western and Chinese culture is the way in which we get information. For example, in the West we take the initiative to seek out information from qualified sources. In China, most people do not think it is necessary to seek out information from experts because whatever is important for them to know, they will be told. As a result, information is not made public, without major complaints. (Our Peace Corps country director tells the story of consulting the USGS after the earthquake because it was difficult to find information locally. I often seek out Western resources that have no counterpart here.)
This has a huge impact on teaching because our students are used to being told information and repeating it back. This is what they consider learning. Asking them to research a topic and report on their findings, or come up with their own unique ideas, is unheard of. That process just does not exist here.
I never realized before the general sense of optimism we have in the West. We grumble and complain because we expect things can be better, because we expect if we seek out truth, eventually we will find truth. I took that optimism for granted. Now I am learning to treasure it.
Love this post! It's so interesting to hear about the culture. You're awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to learn how China is so different from the US in such fundamental ways. No wonder we have communication barriers with such deep divides. And how awesome that you're getting to cross them!
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