As I mentioned is the previous 2 posts, there are about 20 teacher candidates from South West University (SWU) visiting the University of Windsor right now. As a part of the Reciprocal Learning Program between our universities, during 3rd year, they visit Windsor from September to December and the following May we go to Chongqing to visit for one month.
I lived in South Korea for many years, and was lucky enough to go to China several times. I really loved it! I found something new that I liked every time I visited and welcome the chance to return and explore a region I didn't make it to on any of my previous trips.
When we have had time together I have spoken to a few of the visiting students, but mainly Longhen and Huang, who I have the most classes with. We have spoken a lot about education, of course, and I will share a bit of those conversations with you!
Currently at South West in the teaching program there are 10,000 teacher candidates. And we think hiring competition in Ontario is fierce?? This is not unusual for such a big university as SWU, apparently. Before reaching university, competition is fierce. The average class in kindergarten is 60-70 and in elementary 30-40. When I heard 60-70, I wondered aloud how the teacher can cope and asked Huang, who was telling me this, if he was sick in his head for wanting to subject himself to that. Another Chinese girl commented, "That's just China!"
Huang went on, explaining that the layout of the class is not like here; rows are standard for class arrangement and the students are dealt with in much more of a "jug and mug" manner. Teacher's assume much more of an authoritative stance and students just acquiesce. But, I don't think he was accurately describing the student response to those types of teaching strategies.
Throughout my teaching experience in Korea, and with all the shared experience of my expat friends in other Asian classrooms, the traditional, teacher centered model of instruction was indeed prevalent. However, a factor bringing about change is language education and the students'reaction to it.
Throughout my teaching experience in Korea, and with all the shared experience of my expat friends in other Asian classrooms, the traditional, teacher centered model of instruction was indeed prevalent. However, a factor bringing about change is language education and the students'reaction to it.
To learn a language effectively, you have to practice it, you have to speak, and 30-40 kids speaking means noise! To get them to make that lovely noise, instruction has to be student centered - and there is the switch.
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