Education: Learning from each other

TAL123 (Expat in China)

If I had a child, I think I'd consider Chinese education for part of their learning. I think that perhaps the middle school years are a good time for them to develop strong fundamental skills in math, reading, memory retention, etc., that the Chinese system teaches well. But in the more formative primary and high school years, I'd opt for an International School in China offering the IB or something similar. Children need the freedom to explore, express, inquire and understand. These are things that the Chinese system simply does not offer to anywhere near the same degree.

While it is true that we should all try to learn from each other's strengths, no one should assume that China is not doing the same. There is a near-universal acknowledgement of the need for education reform in China, and now many schools exist which experiment with new curricula like the IB. They offer more extracurricular activities instead of more lesson time and encourage children to take more free time to learn skills, have hobbies and explore their personal interests.

In my view, the chief weakness in China's system is the lack of room for creativity and individuality among students. Students do not become good learners, they merely become good test takers.

British pupils in a classroom at Bournville Junior School Birmingham in the UK, where they are given many leadership opportunities. [Photo/IC]